Course Objectives

The course is an introduction to the study of the cultures, economics, politics and ideologies of Latin America, viewed in a historical context. The course will also address Latin America’s position internationally, in view of the ongoing process of globalization.

Latin America consists of several regions: Mexico, Central America, the Caribean islands, and South America. The course discusses each of these regions with a view both to their uniqueness and to their common characteristics.

Course Description

The syllabus will cover the cultural, economic, political and natural-science aspects of the globalisation question. The course will address important aspects of the intellectual, cultural and social history of Latin America, with particular emphasis on the region’s relationship to Europe, USA and Africa. The starting point will be the meeting between the Europeans and the Native Americans, and the genocide that followed. The course will be structured around the experience of Latin America viewed as a crossroads between civilisations. The course is historical/philosophical, but also employs a number of socio-anthropological and literary research methods. Theoretically, there is a lesson in the meeting between the Spaniard and the Native American (Cortez and Montezuma). For many centuries, Latin America has been a place where people from the entire world have been thrown together. In addition to the syllabus, the students will be encouraged to read biographies from Latin America, particularly Che Guevara’s Motorcycle Diaries. In addition, they will be advised to read at least one book on the history and social life of Cuba.

Learning Methods

Lectures and seminars. The students will produce an individual written semester project with obligatory supervision. The subject of the project must be approved by the academic supervisor.

Assessment Methods

The students will be evaluated during the course on the basis of tests and/or submitted assignments which will count for 40% of the total grade. The final examination will count for 60%. All tests taken during the course as well as the final examination must receive passing marks in order for the student to pass the course. The grades will range from A to F, where E is the lowest passing grade.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean