This introductory course surveys the history of modern Latin America from independence to the present, with a strong emphasis on the twentieth century. Our focus will be on broad transfomations in politics, place, identity, and work.

This class provides an overview of Latin American history, with an emphasis on the period following independence. Over the course of the semester, students will investigate several key themes that are of significance in Latin American history, including: the pendulum-like swings of the political system between democracy and dictatorship; the problem of economic underdevelopment and poverty and Latin Americans' efforts to build more prosperous societies; social inequality along the lines of race and ethnicity, class, and gender, and the struggles leveled by marginalized groups for a more just society; and, last, imperialism and Latin America’s relationship to foreign powers (particularly the United States). Chronologically, the class begins with discussions of the legacies of Spanish colonialism, then moves through a wide range of topics, including the independence wars and nation-building, the integration of Latin America into the global economy, twentieth century struggles over political rights, and the Cold War period. We will conclude with discussions of contemporary problems in Latin America, including the drug war. The course requires roughly fifty pages of reading per week, as well as regular attendance of both lectures and a weekly discussion section. Major assignments include an annotated bibliography and two exams. Instructor bio: Miles Culpepper is a visiting lecturer who received a PhD in Latin American history from UC Berkeley in 2021. He is a specialist the history of migration and international relations in the Americas during the twentieth century, and has taught a range of courses in Latin American history and US history at the University of Nevada, Reno, Chabot College, and UC Berkeley.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills