REQUIRED READINGS
Benjamin Keen, A History of Latin America, Seventh Edition
Kenneth Mills and William Taylor, Colonial Spanish America
Elaine Katzenberger, First World, HaHaHa

Link to Course Study Notes

Link to University of Delaware Library, Subject List of Web Resources

Link to University of Texas Map Collection

Catalog Description

This course provides an introduction to the history of our neighbors to the south, a history very different from our own.  After a discussion of the geography and climate of the region, the course will focus on Precolumbian societies of the Americas, the period of European exploration and contact, the Spanish conquest of Mexico and Peru, the development of colonial societies, the struggle for independence, and the emergence of the modern nations of Latin America and their place in the world economic system.

Course Objectives

1. To describe and analyze broad trends in Latin American history
   Example:  What was the long-term impact of Spanish colonial rule on Latin America?
2. To critique historical sources
   Example:  How should one interpret information from interviews with indigenous women from the Mexican state of Chiapas in 1994?
3. To critique historical arguments
   Example:  How do modernization and dependency theories shape much of the scholarship on Latin America since WWII?
4. To compare developments between various nations and regions of the Americas
   Example:  How did the United States become one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations in the world, while Mexico and the rest of Latin America continue to struggle both economically and politically?
5. To debate specific issues of historical importance
   Example: Was the Mexican Revolution really a revolution?

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Grading

Final grades will be based on a total of 400 points: 3 exams worth 100 points each; a map quiz worth 25 points; and 15 in-class writing assignments (one-minute papers) worth 5 points each for a total of 75 points.  Exams, taken in class, will require each student to respond to several short-answer identifications and one essay question.  The final exam will not be comprehensive.  Grades will not be curved. 

Missed Exams: It is to your advantage to take exams at the appointed time. If you must miss an exam, it is up to you to contact my TA no later than one week past the date of the exam to schedule a make-up. Make-up exams will be administered during the final week of the semester. Make-up exams will be comprised of two essay questions and no short-answer identifications. Any student failing to take a make-up exam will receive a score of zero for that test. No student will be permitted to take more than one make-up exam.

There will be no "extra credit" offered for students to compensate for poor performance on exams. Thus, it is essential that you apply yourself throughout the semester.

Grading Scale-based on a total of 400 points
A            370 and up
A-           352-369
B+          334-351
B            316-333
B-           298-315
C+          280-297
C            262-279
C-           244-261
D+          226-243
D            208-225
D-           200-207
F             199 and below
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Class Schedule

Aug 30	Introduction
Sept 1	Geography and Climate Readings: Keen, Preface and Introduction; Mills and Taylor, Introduction Please bring Mills and Taylor to class TURN IN 3 LARGE BLUE BOOKS BY TUESDAY, SEPT 6
Sept 6-8	Native American Societies: Mesoamerica Readings: Keen, Chpt 1; Mills and Taylor, Documents: 4,5,10 Please bring Mills and Taylor to class
Sept 13-15	Native American Societies: The Andes Readings: Mills and Taylor, Documents: 1,2,6 Please bring Mills and Taylor to class MAP QUIZ on Thursday, Sept 15
Sept 20-27	Spanish Exploration and Conquest Readings: Keen, Chpt. 2 and 3; Mills and Taylor, Documents: 5, 7,8,9,11,12,13,14,15 Please bring Mills and Taylor to class
Sept 29	FIRST EXAM
Oct 4-11	The Colonial Period Readings: Keen, Chpt 4 ,5, and 7; Mills and Taylor, Documents: 24,25,28,30,31,32,38,39,41 Please bring Mills and Taylor to class
Oct 13-18	Independence and the Nineteenth Century Readings: Keen, Chpt. 8, 9,10, and 11; Mills and Taylor, Documents: 49 and 50 Please bring Mills and Taylor to class
Oct 20-25	US and Latin American Relations: Past, Present, and Future Readings: Keen, Chpt. 20
Oct 27-Nov 1	Central America: From Banana Republics to CAFTA Readings: Keen, Chpt. 18
Nov 3	SECOND EXAM
Nov 8-15	Mexico: Our Closest Southern Neighbor Readings: Keen, Chpt. 12; and Katzenberger, all
Nov 17-22	Revolution in Cuba Readings: Keen, Chpt. 17
Nov 24	No Class-Thanksgiving
Nov 29-Dec 1	Latin America in the Twenty-First Century Readings: Keen, Chpt. 21
Dec 6	Conclusions and Review
Dec 13	Final Exam, 1-3 PM

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Class Format

Classes will combine lectures, films, class discussions, and brief in-class writing assignments.
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Project Assignments

1. 15 in-class writing assignments (one-minute papers). These are tied to class discussions and no make ups will be given.

2. 3 one-hour exams

3.1 map quiz: countries and capitals of all nations from Mexico south and including the Caribbean islands of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Haiti and the Dominican Republic (total of 25 countries and capitals)

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Advice for Success

1. Attendance is required.  If you have another course or university activity that will conflict with regular attendance, do not take this course.  Because the 15 in-class writing assignments (quizzes) comprise 75 points of your final grade, it is imperative that you come to class regularly.  Because these writing assignments are keyed to class discussion, it will not be possible to make up any missed quizzes.

2. The policies published in Academic Honesty and Dishonesty apply to this course.  You will receive a copy in class.

3. Come to class prepared to discuss the readings assigned for that week.

4. Ask questions.

5. Review sessions will be offered before each exam. Students who attend review sessions fare better on exams than students who do not attend these sessions.

6. Ask more questions.

7. Please submit three blank blue books (large size) by Tuesday, Sept 6.  Write your name on the back, not in the box for names.

IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT REGARDING COURSE POLICIES, PLEASE CONSULT WITH PROFESSOR AUSTIN BEFORE YOU COMPLETE ANY PART OF THIS COURSE.
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Policy on Student Class Attendance

 Historically, students who attend class regularly do well.  Students who do not attend on a regular basis, usually do poorly.   This is especially important because the 15 in-class writing assignments comprise 75 points of your final grade; and because they are keyed to class discussions,  they can not be made up.  Therefore, class attendance is required.

Rules for Class Behavior: Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
1. Come to class on time and plan to stay for the entire class. Because it is extremely disruptive and disrespectful, do not bother to come late, as I will ask you to leave. Please do not start packing up your things before I have dismissed class. We will always be out of class on time.
2. Feel free to ask questions at any time during class--just raise your hand. Please do not talk to your neighbors during class as it is annoying to me and to your classmates.
3. Sleep when you are in bed, not in class.
4. Do not read newspapers or materials for other courses during class time.
Technology Etiquette
1. Turn off your cell phone when you enter the classroom. If your cell phone rings during class, I will ask you to leave and not come back until the next class.
2. Do not engage in text messaging during class.
3. Use of laptops must relate to class activities.
4. Be sure that your laptop use is not distracting to those around you: turn off all sounds and be a considerate typist.

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