History 195: Latin American/US Relations

Spring 2008

Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays 11:30-12:35

Porter Hall 3

Dr. Monica Orozco

Office: Dean Hall 103

Office hours: M, W, F 9:15-10:15 and by appointment

or

Phone: (805) 452-7255

COUIRSE GOAL:

This study of international relations (political, cultural, economic) between the United States and the many and diverse countries of Latin America is designed to increase our understanding of the historical context of the interaction between the two regions and to better appreciate the various perspectives and interpretations of this interaction since the early 19th century.

THINKING GLOBALLY:

Thinking globally allows for integrating knowledge about the diversity of human experiences in interpreting and understanding the world around us in order to be better informed and equipped actors in the world. Many people from the United States who have traveled in Latin America are often puzzled by their seemingly contradictory or ambivalent reception. While many Latin Americans will express an appreciation for the people of the United States, they may also express apprehension about the political, cultural, and economic legacies of long-term interaction between the United States and Latin American societies and governments.

By exploring the history of this interaction between regions, and by developing an appreciation for the perspective outside our own, we will be better able to understand each other. In addition, this better understanding of the complexity and diversity of historical experiences and cultural communities will allow us to be more compassionate, reconsidering our place in the world, as well as our responsibilities as agents for social justice.

A better understanding and appreciation for the regions and its people will not only help to put current events into better context, but will hopefully increase our understanding of others—how they see the world and their place in it, their dreams and aspirations, their challenges and their spirit in dealing with these challenges. It is my hope that we will also gain a better understanding of ourselves and that we do not live in isolation, that how we live our lives and the decisions we make can have a broader impact on the world.

THINKING HISTORICALLY:

We will accomplish these goals by using the methodology of history—analyzing primary and secondary sources. You will be expected to critically analyze and interpret these sources, synthesize the data, and use it to develop and articulate arguments regarding historical questions in either written or oral presentations. We will need to consider the limitations and complexities of this type of methodology. We will also discuss the strengths and limitations of theoretical models used in evaluating and analyzing international relations and historical developments within Latin America and the United States which had an impact on the interaction between the regions.

Thinking critically means considering the author, the purpose, and the intended audience of the sources. What are the weaknesses and strengths? In history there can be many interpretations of sources and many arguments or answers to historical questions, but some interpretations and arguments are stronger because of how well the evidence is used and how well thought out the argument is. We will also address some of the historiographical debates and issues in the study of Latin America.

FRAMEWORK:

This course will allow us to explore regions, cultures, and time periods that may be less familiar to us. As a result, we will be looking at broader issues, question and developments and use individual countries or events as case studies. We will not be able to cover the detailed history of each country within Latin America and its interaction with the United States, but we can look a broader issues and trends that are representative of many of the experiences between the regions.

Required Books:

Secondary Sources:

Benjamin Keen (Provides an historical narrative/context to supplement lectures)

News of a Kidnapping, Gabriel García Márquez

I will post additional documents on Eureka or distribute them in class in order to supplement the readings and for discussion in class.

Course Requirements:

1. Exams (2 exams, midterm 15% and a final 25% for a total of 40%)

There will be two in class exams based on lectures, discussion, and the readings. The exams may consist of long essay, short essay, document analysis, multiple choice, and/or map sections. A study guide will be distributed a week ahead.

2. Research paper: (35%

You will be responsible for a research paper of 8-10 pages in length regarding some aspect of Latin American relations. This paper should be typed in a standard font and double space. You should include a cover page with the title of your paper and your name. You will need to have a thesis statement, supported with evidence from sources. Demonstrate your knowledge of the historical information, developments, and issues as well as your ability to integrate primary and secondary sources as evidence.

  1. You must submit a topic proposal by the end of week 2.
  2. A preliminary bibliography must be submitted by the end of week 4
  3. A preliminary thesis statement must be submitted by the end of week 7
  4. Final paper is due on the last day of classes.

General topics and subtopics:

Immigration

Human Rights: Chile, Central America, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina

Reform and revolution: Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, Nicaragua

Free trade: NAFTA, CAFTA,

Globalization (economic, cultural)

Drug trafficking: Colombia, Mexico

Environment: Brazil, Mexico

3. Culture Project: 10%

You are expected to participate in or observe some aspect of high culture or popular culture which in some way addresses Latin American/US relations or cultural exchanges. This can include attendance at a festival, the viewing or a play or movie, or the viewing of an art exhibit or historical landmark. You are expected to provide an analysis of how the cultural event reflects historical, political, and social aspects of international contact. I must approve of the cultural event or material you will evaluate. Please see me if you would like more specific suggestions for this project.

4. Participation: 15%

This includes attendance, in-class discussion of lecture material and assigned readings, and media monitoring.

Media monitoring: One of my goals is to focus our attention on how the various news media treat Latin American issue. On the Wednesdays of odd numbered weeks you will be expected to present one example of a news story—print, television, or radio—and your analysis of its treatment. I’m hoping this will generate discussion about historical issues as well as the impact of the media on our perceptions of Latin America.

Schedule: Check Eureka each week for new downloaded documents.

Part 1: 19th century Post-Independence

Transitions—Modernization and the Colonial Legacies

Study Questions:

  • What were the causes of political instability in Latin America after independence?
  • What were the factors that hindered or fostered economic development in Latin America?
  • What were the significant intellectual developments of the period and what impact did they have politically, socially, culturally, and economically on international relations?
  • What events allowed for the growing role of the United States in the Western Hemisphere?
  • What is neo-colonialism?

Week 1: 1/7-1/11Introduction: Theoretical models and perspectives

Week 2: 1/14-18Latin American independence and the emergence of the United States; topic proposal due by Friday

Part II: 20th Century

Economic interests, revolutionary options, and the Cold War

Study Questions:

  • What reforms did revolutionary movements in Latin America seek to implement?
  • What factors influenced US policy toward Latin America?
  • What is the United States’ role (economically, politically) in Latin America, especially in response to revolutionary movements?
  • What is the dependency theory?
  • What factors contributed to the development of dictatorships in Latin America?

Week 3: 1/21-1/25Independence versus intervention: Big Stick and Dollar Diplomacy Holiday Monday 1/21.

Week 4: 1/28-2/1Revolution and reform: Mexico; preliminary bibliography due by Friday

Week 5: 2/4-2/8World War II and the Good Neighbor Policy

Week 6: 2/18-2/22The Legacy of the Cold War: The Truman Doctrine

Week 7: 2/25-2/29The New Revolutionary Option: Cuba;; preliminary thesis statement due by Friday

Week 8: 3/3-3/7Post Cuba world: Alliance for Progress; midterm exam 3/3

Week 9: 3/10-3/14The Failure of Democratic Reform: Military Dictatorships; Spring/Easter recess begins 3/14

Week 10: 3/17-3/21Spring/Easter recess

Part III: Late 20th and early 21st centuries

Challenges of New Globalization

Study Questions:

  • What is neo-Liberalism?
  • What factors contributed to democratization in Latin America?
  • What impact has immigration and migration had on international relations in the Western Hemisphere?
  • What impact had drug trafficking and anti-trafficking policies had on Latin American/US relations and Latin American societies?
  • What is the impact of free trade agreements in Latin America and the US?
  • What impact does the foreign debt of Latin America have politically, economically, and socially within Latin America and in international relations?
  • What are current trends, issues, and attempts at reform within Latin America and how are they perceived by the US?
  • What is the cultural, political, and economic impact of globalization?

Week 11: 3/24-3/28Another Revolutionary Option: Nicaragua and the “Central American Crisis”

Week 12: 3/31-4/4“Meet the new boss, same as the old boss”: Neo-Liberalism and the Chicago boys

Week 13: 4/7-4/11Human Rights and the politics of neo-liberalism; culture project due 4/11

Week 14: 4/14-4/18“We all come from somewhere else”: immigration, migration, and the economic, social, and political realities; read News of a Kidnapping chapters 1-7.

Week 15: 4/21-4/24Drug Trafficking and Terror; read rest of News of a Kidnapping, in class discussion, research paper due by 4/24

April 29, Tuesday 8-10Final Exam