CW 210:
INTRODUCTION TO LATIN
AMERICAN STUDIES
Fall 2001, Hansen
This course is an interdisciplinary introduction
to Latin America. It can serve as a basic preparation for government service,
journalism, international business, travel or volunteer work in Latin America,
as well as for elementary or secondary school teaching. It is the required
core course for the Minor in Latin American Studies.
The course examines various topics that are
important to students’ gaining an understanding of Latin America. Students
will be introduced to issues of concern for the disciplines involved in
the Latin American Studies Program: Anthropology, Art, Biology, Business,
Foreign Languages, Geography, History, Information Management, Library
Sciences, Sociology. The course focuses mainly on Mexico, Central America
and South America, less time is devoted to the islands of the Caribbean.
Goals for the course: Students will learn
about the physical characteristics of the region and the diversity of landscapes
within Latin America. We will explore the extraordinary variety of cultural
expressions, and examine how the region’s history shapes the possibilities
for its future.
Topics will include the following, broadly-defined
areas:
-
Introduction to the region:
defining Latin America
-
Physical geography: landforms,
habitats, climate systems
-
Pre-Columbian cultures
-
European conquest and colonization:
the great exchange
-
Legacy of conquest and colonization
-
Political and cultural change,
struggle for social justice
-
Population growth, migration,
and urbanization
-
Cultural patterns in Latin America:
ethnicity, religion
-
Gender issues, regional variation
in gender roles and relations
-
Economic development and regional
integration
-
Agriculture and agrarian development:
the rise of export capitalism
-
Environmental issues and resource
management
-
Tourism and ecotourism
-
The U.S.-Mexico border: population,
industry, environment
-
Art, music, and popular culture
Find out more about Latin American
Studies minor on the Emporia State University web page, at http://academic.emporia.edu/mooredwi/latinamer/
where you’ll also find a listing
of affiliated faculty and other courses being taught.
For more information, contact:
Professor Ellen Hansen
phone: (316) 341-5576
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