LATI 50

Introduction to Latin AmericaWinter 2012

Why Latin America?

• It’s big• It’s there• It’s here• It’s a mirror• It’s a paradox

Elements of Paradox

• Old-young, unstable-stable, rich-poor• Gender• Sports/Baseball• Religion• Politics• Literature

Points of Entry

• Readings in Modern Latin America, 7th ed• Fiction: García Márquez• Videos• Original documents (MLA website)

Course Organization

• 1: Introduction• 2: Dimensions of History• 3: Magical Realism• 4: Economic Development• 5: Democracy and Dictatorship• 6: Social Inequality• 7: Arts and Society• 8: Popular Culture• 9: Inter-American Agenda

Examinations/Papers

• Mid-term exam (February 23) ~ 33% grade• Final exam (TBA) ~ 67% of grade• Class participation: as observed• Optional paper (due March 13): 30% grade, so

mid-term = 20% and final = 50%

TAs and Sections• Teresita Rocha-Jiménez• Jacqueline Wagner• Emilia García

• M 11:00-11:50 Center 203• W 12:00-12:50 York 3000A• W 2:00-2:50 York 4050A

PHS Coordinates

• Office Hours: Wednesday 2-4, SSB 364• E-mail: phsmith@dss.ucsd.edu• Website: – polisci.ucsd.edu/faculty/smith.html– weber.ucsd.edu/~phsmith/teaching.htm

¡Adelante!