Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of Latin American history from Independence (1808-24) to the present: post-Independence political collapse and reconsolidation; Latin America in the world trade system and the changing conditions of economic dependency; nationalist reform (Mexico) and socialist revolution (Cuba), liberalism, populism, and the rise of modernizing military. Treatment by topics and broad historical period rather than country by country. Students who have taken IS 209W cannot take HIST 209W for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Hum/Soc Sci.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to a historical, nuanced, and multifaceted view of Latin America. Avoiding self-serving visions of heroic workers and evil oligarchs, or lazy peasants and hard working foreigners, we will ask the people of this remarkable region to tell their own stories, even when those stories contradict our own desires. In the process we will come to understand historical change over many generations, but also endeavor to come to terms with the often patronizing ways in which North Americans of both the Left and the Right produce knowledge about the Latin American past and present.


Please Note: This is a flexible learning course. Professor Dawson will teach tutorials each week, but in place of lectures students will listen to a series of podcasts, watch some videos, and complete a number of assignments on Canvas. Students will be required to be in class only one hour per week. Should you have any questions about the format of this course, please contact Professor Dawson at aldawson@sfu.ca.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: