MODERN LATIN AMERICA- Fall 2014
HY 4172- Wooten Hall 116 – Mondays 6:30 to 9:20 pm
Dr. Sandra Mendiola
E-mail: (Best way to contact me)
OFFICE HOURS: Mondays 2:15 to 3:15pm and Wednesdays 1:15 to 3:15 pm or by appointment at Wooten Hall 263
Course Description
In this course, we will studymodern Latin American history from independence to the present. We will begin the semester by briefly studying the colonial background; we will conclude it by exploring the main challenges that Latin Americanshave experienced in the twenty first century. The topics that we will cover include:the independence wars, nation-building, revolutions, migration, and foreign relations.In addition to reading and analyzing primary sources, we will read diverse works written by historians and other scholars. At the end of the semester, you will have a good understanding of the different approaches and methods historians have used to study Latin America.
Required Readings
This is a reading intensive course and your informed participation is extremely important. You must 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.
Books:
Lauderdale Graham, Sandra,Caetana Says No: Women's Stories from a Brazilian Slave Society (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002)
Alexander Aviña, Alexander, Specters of Revolution:Peasant Guerrillas in the Cold War Mexican Countryside (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014)
Urrea,Luis Alberto,The Devil’s Highway: A True Story (New York: Backbay Books, 2001)
Levenson, Deborah T., Adiós Niño: The Gangs of Guatemala City and the Politics of Death (Durham: Duke University Press, 2013)
****You will find additional readings (articles) in BLACKBOARD*******
Course Objectives
In this course, you will gain an understanding ofmodern Latin American history from the time fthe wars of independence to the present. 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.
Book Quizzes20%
Participation15%
Research Proposal and Paper25%
Mid-term Exam 20%
Final Exam20%
Assignments
Quizzes: You will take several book quizzes. See class schedule for specific 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 or book chapters, graduate students will co-lead the discussion with me. This means that graduate students will prepare questions and answers for discussion. You are also in charge of reading book reviews of the assigned monograph, and at the end of the discussion, present in about 3-5 minutes to the whole class how scholars received the book.
Exams: You will synthesize and analyze material from assigned readings, lectures, 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 (Latin America, 1810-present). A research proposal of your paper is due on October 6(5%). The proposal includes your topic, a complex historical question, and a bibliography. The final research paper (20%) is due on November 17. 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 Wikipedia, traditional encyclopedias, textbooks, and popular magazines as sources. You must cite and quote your sourcesaccording 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 or/and course. You must submit an electronic copy of your writing assignments to turnitin in Blackboard Learn.
Graduate Students: Students will write a 15-page historiographical paper on a topic directly related to the history of Modern 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 6 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 TWO absences. Two tardies or leaving the class early will be treated as one absence. In order to pass this course, you cannot miss more than 3 sessions.
Late work: For every day your writing assignments are late, I will deducta letter grade. I will only allow you to take make-up quizzes under extraordinary circumstances. You must talk with me in advance to discuss specific circumstances that prevent you from taking the scheduled quizzes. I will not make written comments on late work.
Class etiquette: Show respect for your classmates and professor. Avoid using your cell phone and 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 weeks of the semester.
Academic Integrity
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 includes: cheating, plagiarism, forgery, fabrication, facilitating dishonesty, and sabotage.
Class Schedule
Note: The professor reserves the right to make changes to the course schedule with appropriate advance notice.You are responsible to check your UNT email at least three times per week.
August 25:Introduction: The Colonial Background
Monday Sept 1:No class – Labor Day- University closed
Monday Sept 8:The Meanings of Freedom: Independencewars and their aftermath
Read: Blanchard, “The Language of Liberation” and Matthew Brown, “Adventurers, Foreign Women, and Masculinity”
Monday Sept 15:Slavery and Gender in Brazil
Read: Graham, Caetana Says Noand reading quiz
Monday Sept 22:Nineteenth-century Nation-Building
Read: Sarah Chambers, “Republican Friendship” and Maya Talmon, “The Criminalization of Capoeira”
Monday Sept 29:“Modernization” and Migration
Read: Teresa Alfaro-Velcamp “Immigrant Positioning,” and Samuel L. Baily, Marriage Patters” and reading quiz
Monday Oct 6:Mexican Revolution of 1910
Read: Francisco I Madero’s Plan de San Luis Potosí
Emiliano Zapata’s Plan de Ayala
RESEARCH PROPOSAL DUE
Monday Oct 13:MID-TERM EXAM DUE
Monday Oct 20:Cuban Revolution
Read: Jafari Sinclaire Allen, “Looking Black at Revolutionary Cuba”
And Norma R. Guillard, “Cuba and the Revolutionary Struggle”
Monday Oct 27:Protest, Rebellion, and Revolutions
Read: Alex Aviña, Specters of Revolution (Introduction and chapters 1-3)
Monday Nov 3:Dirty Wars
Read: Alex Aviña, Specters of Revolution (chapters 4 to epilogue) and reading quiz
Monday Nov 10:The Latin American Youth
Read: Levenson, Adiós Niño (intro, chapters 1 and 2) and reading quiz
Monday Nov 17:The Neoliberal Turn
Read: Levenson, Adiós Niño (chapters 3, 4, and 5)
And FINAL PAPER DUE
Monday Nov 24:Latin Americans in the USA
Read:Urrea, The Devil’s Highway: A True Storyand reading quiz
Monday Dec 1:Latin America Today
Read: Carlos Alba, “Local Politics and Globalization from Below”
FINAL EXAM: DECEMBER 8 due at 9:20 pm (or earlier) in my office
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