131-220 Rebels and Revolution in Latin America

Usually 25 points of first-year history, see Prerequisites.

The subject introduces students to the histories and cultures of Latin America through study of a number of significant issues and events. Beginning with an account of the arrival of the Spanish and Portugese in the hemisphere, the subject will briefly investigate the experience of different peoples within the nations of Central and South America through the colonial period and into independence. Broad contrasts will be developed between the Spanish forms of conquest and colonisation, and those of the Anglo and other leaders of colonisation in North America. Themes to be emphasised will include slavery and the ending of slavery, social and political change, revolutions, human rights, immigration, race and attitudes to racial mixing, economic development and dependence, environmental issues, music and culture. The impact of the US sense of its imperial role in Central and South America will be traced through the 19th and 20th centuries in, for example, of Cuba, Nicaragua, Brazil and Chile. Finally, the increasingly visible and important role of the Latino minority now the largest minority group within the United States will be examined.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

A research essay of 2500 words 60% (due mid-semester) and a review essay of 1500 words 40% (due at the end of semester).