Latin America and the United States

History 329.01

 Spring Semester 2002

 J. Pablo Silva


ARH 318

Office: Carnegie 403

Monday & Wednesday, 8-9:50

Phone: 269-4886

Office Hours: Not yet Determined

E-mail: silvajp@grinnell.edu


To see reading for a specific week, choose:
Required Texts | Readings | Grading | Research Project Overview


Description: As the saying goes, Latin America lies too far from God and too close to the United States. This proximity has affected Latin American economics, demographics, culture, and politics. The seminar will begin with a look at three major case studies that demonstrate this influence: the Mexican Revolution, the Guatemalan Revolution, and the Alliance for Progress. The major assignment in the course is a research paper.

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Readings should be completed prior to the class meeting for which they are listed. The Syllabus below specifies the reading for each week. To see reading for a specific week, choose:

For the first seven weeks we will be reading secondary sources. During these weeks, two members of the class will be assigned the task of leading each particular session. During the last six weeks, the class readings will focus on the research projects.(See Paper Overview) Class participation is an integral part of the course, so attendance is mandatory.

Please note that most of the readings are available for purchase. Many are also on reserve. For purposes of discussion, be prepared to define (1) the authors main point, (2) the type of evidence used to make that point, (3) your assessment of whether the evidence and argument convincingly sustain the conclusions, and (4) the relationship to other works we have read.

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Part 1. Case Studies of US-Latin American Relations (weeks 1-7)

 Monday, 21 January

Introduction to the Course

 Week 1

 Wednesday, 23 January

Spenser, Impossible Triangle, pp. 1-70. Discussion will be led by:

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 Monday, 28 January

Spenser, Impossible Triangle, pp. 75-193. Discussion will be led by:

 Week 2

 Wednesday, 30 January

Henderson, Worm in the Wheat, pp. 1-64. Discussion will be led by:

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 Monday, 4 February

Henderson, Worm in the Wheat, pp. 65-228. Discussion will be led by:

Week 3

 Wednesday, 6 February

Gleijeses, Shattered Hope, pp. 3-71. Discussion will be led by:

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 Monday, 11 February

Gleijeses, Shattered Hope, pp. 72-278. Discussion will be led by:

Week 4

 Wednesday, 13 February

Gleijeses, Shattered Hope, pp. 279-394. Discussion will be led by:

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 Monday, 18 February

Grandin, Blood of Guatemala, pp. 1-129. Discussion will be led by:

Week 5

 Wednesday, 20 February

Grandin, Blood of Guatemala, pp. 130-236. Discussion will be led by:

 Friday, 22 February

Topic Statement Due by 5 pm. See Assignment

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 Monday, 25 February

Rabe, The Most Dangerous Area, pp. 1-124. Discussion will be led by:

Week 6

 Wednesday, 27 February

Rabe, The Most Dangerous Area, pp. 125-199. Discussion will be led by:

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 Monday, 4 March

Latham, Modernization as Ideology, pp. 1-149. Discussion will be led by:

Week 7

 Wednesday, 6 March

Latham, Modernization as Ideology, pp. 151-215. Discussion will be led by:

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 Monday, 11 March

No Class Discussion this Week. We will meet to assign presentation dates. Otherwise, work on your Primary Source Analysis.

Week 8

 Friday, 15 March

Primary Source Analysis Due by 5 pm. See Assignment



Spring Break, March 16 to 31

 

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Part 2. Research Projects (weeks 9-14)

 Monday, 1 April

No Class

Week 9

 Wednesday, 3 April

Molly, David, Ashley, Sarah and Katie will Present Their Projects. See Assignment.

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 Monday, 7 November

Rob, Toya, Colin, Dana, and Jenni will Present Their Projects. See Assignment.

Week 10

 Wednesday, 9 November

Molly, David, Ashley, Sarah and Katie will Present Their Arguments. Only they need to attend.

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 Monday, 14 November

Rob, Toya, Colin, Dana, and Jenni will Present Their Arguments. Only they need to attend.

Week 11

 Wednesday, 16 November

David, Sarah and Katie will Present Their Introductions. Only they need to attend.

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 Monday, 22 April

Molly, Toya, and Colin will Present Their Introductions. Only they need to attend.

Week 12

 Wednesday, 24 April

Ashley, Dana, Rob, and Jenni will Present Their Introductions. Only they need to attend.

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 Monday, 29 April

Draft Review for David, Rob, and Toya. Only they need to attend. Before drafting your paper read pp. 149-233 of The Craft of Research.

Week 13

 Wednesday, 1 May

Draft Review for Colin, Ashley, and Sarah. Only they need to attend. Before drafting your paper read pp. 149-233 of The Craft of Research.

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 Monday, 6 May

Draft Review for Dana, Molly, Katie, and Jenni. Only they need to attend. Before drafting your paper read pp. 149-233 of The Craft of Research.

Week 14

 Wednesday, 8 May

No Class. Paper Due Friday May 10 at noon. See Assignment.

There is no Final Exam, Only the Final Paper
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Last Modified: 12 March 2002