HIST-LIT 90EN: Latin American Revolutions

Semester: 

Fall

Offered: 

2020

Instructor: James Mestaz
Meeting time: Monday/Wednesday, 4:30 - 5:45

Latin American RevolutionsThis course explores the origins, trajectory, and outcomes of three twentieth century Latin American revolutions: Mexican, Cuban, and Nicaraguan. Students will analyze what these three revolutions shared in common, such as the causes, which included discrimination, US imperialism, state violence, economic inequity, and political marginalization, but also consider the nuances of what made them different, and in which ways the later revolutions were inspired by the previous ones. The class will rely on primary sources, such as novels, film, photographs, music, murals, and manifestos to explore how all sectors of society helped foment changes to the physical, economic, and social landscapes in these countries. Students will investigate community grassroots mobilization tactics and what the revolution meant for marginalized groups such as indigenous, women, or queer people. Learning the difficulties of implementing profound change will help students understand how resistance and democracy meant different things to different communities, and how the definition of what is meant by a revolution evolved over time. Studying Latin American Revolutions will help students grasp the complexities of our increasingly globalized society, and reconsider the efficacy of our own political systems, freedoms, and democracy.