| Description:
A survey of the modern history of Latin America. The course covers
the Independence period (1810-1826), the post-independence period
of nation building (1825-75), the subsequent age of export booms and
busts (1870-1930), Latin America's experiments with national development
during the crisis in the global system (1920-1947), Latin America
in the Cold War(1945-1989), and the contemporary period of neoliberal
adjustment. |
| In the course, we will
focus on the difficulty Latin American countries have had in creating
liberal political systems. As a result we will cover issues such as
the rule of law, free trade, democracy and individual rights. Three
major themes will recur through the course: |
- Political
Instability
- Problems
of Economic Development
- The
Role of Foreign Powers in the Region
|
| Although every Latin
American country has its own history, this course will emphasize the
similarities more than the differences. These countries are blessed
(and cursed) with complex, multicultural societies. We cannot look
at every facet of such complex cultures nor account for all the changes
that have taken place. The major themes will simply provide a road
map for understanding the problems and turning points of modern Latin
American history. With this road map, students will be prepared to
understand the particular history of individual Latin American nations
should they choose to undertake further study of the region. |