GLST 308 provides a lively introduction to our neighbours in the Americas. The course focuses on several countries—as well as an overview of the development of the region as a whole— and interprets the rich history that underlies the region’s cultures, contradictions, and uniqueness.
Topics explored include authoritarianism and democracy, growth and poverty, race and class, the changing role of women, indigenous peoples, movements for social change, and the foreign policy of the United States toward the region. Together, these topics present a comprehensive picture of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Outline
Unit 1: Introduction and Overview
Unit 2: From Colonialism to Independence
Unit 3: Dilemmas of National Development
Unit 4: Reform: the Market vs the State
Unit 5: Authoritarianism and Democratization
Unit 6: Indigenous Struggles: Ethnicity, Colour, and Class
Unit 7: The Changing Roles of Women
Unit 8: Social Change and New Social Actors
Unit 9: The ‘Pink Tide’ and the Problem of Sovereignty
Unit 10: North America and Latin America in the 21st Century
Evaluation
To receive credit for GLST 308, you must achieve a minimum of 50 percent on the final examination and a minimum composite course grade of 50 percent. The chart below summarizes the course activities and the credit weight associated with each.
Activity
Weight
Assignment 1
20%
Assignment 2 (Proposal)
10%
Assignment 2 (Final Research Paper)
35%
Final Exam
35%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Kirby, P. (2003). Introduction to Latin America: Twenty-First Century Challenges. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (eText)
Skidmore, T. E., Smith, P. H., & Green, J. N. (2014). Modern Latin America (8th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. (Print)
Solanas, F. (2004). Social Genocide (DVD). Mongrel Media.
Other Materials
The course materials include a reading file. All other materials are available online
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.