HI 215: Latin America to 1826

  • Disclaimer: Obviously all instructors, including me, change course assignments and books with some frequency. Thus the course you take may not be exactly that described below. The course philosophy, approach and expectations, however, remain constant, so this description is an accurate if somewhat general guide of what to expect.

    Course Summary

  • "History blended with pleasant instruction" [quote from a 19th-century Wild West Show poster] this class surveys the historical development of Latin America from pre-Columbian cultures through the 19th century. A survey course is necessarily selective. We focus on a few major themes: characteristics of the major pre-Columbian societies, the impact of European contact and conquest, the nature of Spanish colonial rule, and the causes and outcomes of independence in the early 19th century. Colonial Church Class time is divided between lectures, discussions, & video presentations. Class discussions, exams & research projects help refine student research and communication skills. We also view & discuss videotapes that let you see the people, places, and problems of Latin America. HI 215 has no prerequisite courses although knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese is helpful. If you are taking the class Credit Only or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory, you are responsible for all assignments, and you must earn a C (70%) average for credit.

    Typical Assignments

    • Several objective quizzes that test knowledge of classroom discussions, lectures, and main points of the readings
    • Several short essays of about 1200 words each that require students to synthesize evidence from readings, Internet sources, and lectures.
    • Several online discussion contributions.
    • One or more group reports.
  • Generally, 2-3 books required for purchase, plus a wide range of Internet sources.

    • Participatory Learning

  • Learning is not a spectator sport. Intellectual exchanges involving all students and the instructor enrich learning for all. Studying history involves an accumulation of knowledge about the past and an understanding of the forces that shape the past and present. But we must also learn to communicate that knowledge, in writing and orally, to others. You must be ready to share your analyses in class. Obviously, you must be IN class to participate, so regular attendance is necessary. If you do not have time to attend, please take a correspondence course and free up your seat in the classroom. Most short-answer exam questions are based on class work, including videotape or slide presentations. Essays require knowledge of general themes & concepts developed in lectures and discussions supported with historical specifics from the reading and video presentations. In this course, you will learn to evaluate historical evidence & arguments & to think critically. You should recognize & reject fallacious "explanations" based on ideological or partisan prejudice. A research project teaches you to make a valid, logical historical argument & to evaluate & organize historical evidence.