COLONIAL LATIN AMERICA–Fall 2015
HIST4171Wooten Hall 210 – MW 2:00 to 3:20 pm
Dr. Sandra Mendiola
E-mail: (Do not email me through Blackboard)
OFFICE HOURS: Wooten Hall 263: Mondays 1-2pm and3:20 to 5:00pm,and by appointment
Course Description
In this course, we will study approximately four centuries of Latin American history. We will begin the semester by exploring pre-Columbian civilizations. We will conclude it by studying the nineteenth-century wars of independence. The topics that we will cover include:the so-called “encounters,” the conquest, colonization, slavery, race relations,and independence movements. We will explore the different waysin which the Spanish and the Portuguese built their empires in the Americas, focusing on how indigenous and mixed-race peopleconfronted European colonization projects. We will pay special attention to gender and race relations. We will read works written by historians andwill examine primary sources, including indigenous accounts, letters, and paintings.
Required Readings
This is a reading intensive course and your informed participation is extremely important. Youmust read the materials assigned for each session before the class meets. Be prepared to discuss them.Take notes while you read and prepare comments for participation. Bring your readings to class the dates we will discuss them.
Required Books:
Boyer, Richard and Geoffrey Spurling, eds., Colonial Lives: Documents on Latin American History, 1550-1850 (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999) (**Abbreviated on Course Schedule as CL**)
Blanchard,Peter, Under the Flags of Freedom: Slave Soldiers and the Wars of Independence in Spanish South America (Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2008)
Restall, Matthew, Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003).
Twinam, Ann, Public Lives, Private Secrets: Gender, Honor, Sexuality, and Illegitimacy in Colonial Spanish America (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1999)
RECOMMENDED:
Martin, Cheryl and Mark Wasserman, LatinAmericaand Its People, vol. 1 to 1830 (Longman, 2007)
****You will find additional readings in BLACKBOARD*******
Course Objectives
In this course, you will gain an understanding of colonial Latin America from the time of the European conquest until the revolutions of independence. You will learn how to read and interpret primary sources and how to think as a historian. Finally, you will improve your analytical, discussion, and writing skills.
Course Grade
I will calculate your grade as follows: A=90 to 100; B= 80 to 89; C=70 to 79; D=60-69; F=59 and below.
Participation15%
Quizzes15%
Mid-term exam 25%
Research Paper25%
Final Exam20%
Assignments
Quizzes: You will take three book quizzes. See class schedule for exact dates.
Participation: I will evaluate participation through class discussions and pop quizzes. Your informed participation in every session is extremely important.
Graduate students: Every time we discuss a book, articles, and primary sources, graduate students will co-lead the discussion with me. You will prepare questionsand their answers for class discussion.You will email them to me the day before the class meets. You are also in charge of reading at least two book reviews of the assigned monographs, and at the end of the discussion, present to the whole class how scholars received the book.
Exams: You will synthesize and analyze material from assigned readings, lectures, documentaries, and discussions.
Research Paper: You will write a final research paper (5 pages, plus bibliography and optional title page) on a topic that falls in the time frame and geographical scope of this course (approximately 1500 to 1820s). A research proposal of your paper is due on 10/21 or earlier.The proposal includes your topic, a complex historical question, and a bibliography. The final research paper is due on 11/18. You will find handouts for specific instructions in Blackboard.
Your paper must be original and you cannot submit a paper that you wrote for another course. You are required to use one primary source and at least three scholarly/academic secondary sources. I do not accept encyclopedias, textbooks, non-scholarly websites, and popular magazines as sources. You must cite and quote your sources according to the Chicago Style guidelines. Be extremely careful with all your written assignments. Give credit to ideas that are not yours. Plagiarism will result in failure of the assignment and/or course. You must submit an electronic copy of your writing assignments to turnitin.com in Blackboard.
Graduate Students: Students will write a 15-page historiographical paper on a topic directly related to the history of colonial Latin America. You should analyze how historians have studied, researched, and interpreted your chosen theme. You will also include any major (if any) debates in the historiography of your topic. You will consult at least 8 books and 3 articles.
Course Policies
Attendance and Punctuality: I expect you to attend all class sessions. I will deduct 5% from the final grade course for each absence over three absences. Two tardies will be treated as one absence. In order to pass this course, you cannot miss more than 5 sessions.
Late work: You will lose15 points for every day your writing assignments are late. I will only allow you to take make-up quizzes under extraordinary circumstances. You need to talk with me in advance to discuss specific circumstances that prevent you from taking the scheduled examinations. I will not make written comments on any late work.
Class etiquette: Show respect for your classmates and professor. Avoid using your cell phone, do not engage in side conversations while others are participating.
Disabilities Accommodations
If you need accommodations, you must register with the Office of Dissability Accomodation (ODA), which is located at the University Union Bldg., Suite 321 (940-565-4323). Bring your letter of accommodation to me within the first two weeks of the semester.
Academic Integrity Statement
Academic Integrity is defined in the UNT Policy on Student Standards for Academic Integrity. Any suspected case of Academic Dishonesty will be handled in accordance with the University Policy and procedures. Possible academic penalties range from a verbal or written admonition to a grade of “F” in the course. Further sanctions may apply to incidents involving major violations. You will find the policy and procedures at Academic dishonesty include: cheating, plagiarism, forgery, fabrication, facilitating dishonesty, and sabotage. Once again, be very careful with your written assignments. Give credit to ideas that are not yours. Plagiarism will result in failure of the assignment or/and course.
Class Schedule.
Note: The professor reserves the right to make changes to the course schedule with appropriate advance notice.It is also your responsibility to check your university email on a constant basis for announcements.
Week One
M 8/24 Introduction
W 8/26Pre-Hispanic Latin America
Read: Restall, Seven Myths, chapters 1 and 2
Week Two
M 8/31The Aztecs
Read: Restall, Seven Myths, chapters 3 and 4
W 9/2The Incas
Read: Restall, Seven Myths, chapters 5 and 6
Week Three
9/7 Labor Day—No class
9/9The Conquest of Mexico and Peru
Read: Restall, Seven Myths, chapter 7 and epilogue
Week Four
M 9/14Conquistadors screening
W 9/16Conquistadors analysis andquiz of Seven Myths
Week Five
M 9/21Catholic Church. Read: Colonial Lives (CL hereafter) ch 3, 4, 5, 7
W 9/23Discussion of CL: ch 3, 4, 5, 7
Week 6
M 9/28The Portuguese in Brazil: An Inconvenient History
W 9/30Slavery in Brazil: Read CL Ch 22.
Week 7
M 10/5Indigenous Labor. Read: CL Ch. 1, 2
W 10/7 African Presence and Slavery
Read: CL Ch. 14, 20 and Martínez’ article in Blackboard
Week 8
M 10/12Mid-Term Exam due by 3:20 pm in my office
W 10/14Art and Entertainment in colonial Latin America
Week 9
M 10/19Library training and Guest speaker activity
W 10/21Rural Life. Read: CL Ch. 16 and Research Proposal due
Week 10
M 10/26Elites and Urban Life. Read: CL ch. 6, 18
W 10/28Honor and Sexuality. Read: CL ch. 9, 12, 17
Week 11
M 11/2Discussion and quiz of Twinam, Public Lives, Private Secrets
W 11/4Bourbon Reforms
Week 12
M 11/9 Bourbon Reforms. Read: Twinam. Public Lives, Private Secrets
W 11/11Revolutions in the Atlantic World
Week 13
M 11/16Mexican Independence. Read primary sources in Blackboard
W 11/18 FINAL PAPER DUE
Week 14
M 11/23Independence in South America
W 11/25Discussion and quiz: Under the Flags of Freedom
Week 15
M 11/30Brazilian Independence. Read article in Blackboard.
W 12/2 Colonial Legacies
12/7FINAL EXAM December 7due by 3:20 pm in my office
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