| Unit name | Modern Latin American Revolutions |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HIST20042 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Cervantes |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
NONE |
| Co-requisites |
NONE |
| School/department | Department of History (Historical Studies) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Modern Latin America has been unduly neglected by historians since the fall of the Berlin wall and the consequent decline in interest in Revolutions and peasant studies, all of which had made the region highly popular in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. This unit centres on a reassessment of the study of Revolutions and the role they have played in the development of modern Latin American nations. It will study four major Latin American revolutions in chronological order – the Mexican (1910), the Bolivian (1952), the Cuban (1959) and the Nicaraguan (1979) – each time aiming to highlight common problems that are central to our understanding of modern Latin America. Among these are issues of international relations, land reform, the military, the church and liberation theology, democracy, neo-liberalism, and the return of left-wing populism. Students will also be encouraged to come up with their own suggestions for independent study.
On successful completion of this unit students will have developed 1. a wider historical knowledge of the history of modern Latin America; 2. the ability to analyse and generalise about issues of continuity and change; 3. the ability to select pertinent evidence/data in order to illustrate/demonstrate more general historical points; 4. the ability to derive benefit from and contribute effectively to large group discussion; 5. the ability to identify a particular academic interpretation, evaluate it critically and form an individual viewpoint; 6. the acquisition of key writing, research, and presentation skills.
Weekly 2-hour interactive lecture sessions Tutorial feedback on essay Access to tutorial advice with unit tutor in consultation hours.
A 3000 word essay (50%) and 2-hour unseen written examination (50%).
L. Bethell (ed), The Cambridge History of Latin America, vols 5, 6, 7 & 8 (Cambridge, various edns).
L. Bethell (ed), Latin America: Politics and Society since 1930 (Cambridge, 1998).
Michael Reid, The Forgotten Continent: the Battle for Latin America’s Soul (New Haven and London, 2007).
T. E. Skidmore and P. H. Smith, Modern Latin America, 6th edn (Oxford, 2005).
E. Williamson, The Penguin History of Latin America (Harmondswroth, 1993).
