Overview
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.
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
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Kirby, P. (2003). Introduction to Latin America: Twenty-First Century Challenges. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:
Skidmore, T. E., Smith, P. H., & Green, J. N. (2014). Modern Latin America (8th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
Video
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.
Evaluation
For more information please contact the course coordinator.
Challenge for credit course registration form