Course Objectives

This is an introductory course which will provide students with understanding and insight into the central aspects of Latin America’s cultures, economies, politics and ideologies, as well as their historical background. We will also explore Latin America from an international viewpoint in connection with globalisation

Latin America is divided into various regions: Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America. The course will examine the individual characteristics of each of these regions, as well as the aspects which they share.

Course Description

The course has four main units. The first provides a general review of the main social and historical trends from pre-Columbian America up to the democratisation processes of the 1990s and onwards. Thereafter, we will study the historical development of individual countries such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Mexico and Cuba.

The second unit of the course will view Latin America in an international context: the mutual influences between the economies, politics and social relationships of the various countries together with the role of Latin America in the world arena.

The third unit will examine globalisation, the role of government, national culture and the influence of international politics on the individual countries.

The goal of the final unit of the course is to promote a better cultural understanding of Latin America through exploring such topics as religion, gender roles, the role of the military and ethnic differences.

Reading list:

Fuglestad, Finn, et.al. 1994. Latin-Amerika og Karibiens historie. Cappelen Akademiske Forlag, Oslo ISBN: 8245600008.

Held, David & McGrew, Anthony. 2005. Globalisering/antiglobalisering. Akademisk Forlag, København.

Eller, Held, David & McGrew, Anthony. 2002. Globalization/Anit-Globalization. Polity Press, Cambridge.

In addition, students will receive a compendium.

Learning Methods

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Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment will include written examinations and/or submissions which together count for 40% of the final grade.

The final written examination will count for 60%. Both the mid-term examinations/submissions and the final examination must receive passing marks in order to receive passing marks for the course. Grades marks.

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