LASC 234
Issues in Latin American Studies I
Second Midterm

The second midterm will take place during the normally-scheduled class time on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. The 75-minute examination represents 15% of the total course grade.

Two of the following three essay question will appear verbatim on the examination. You will be asked to select one of the two choices and develop an essay that begins with a strong and clear thesis and then subsequently develops an argument that draws explicitly on assigned readings, video and online screenings, podcasts, handouts, ELMS postings, and in-class discussions.

Module II: Caste, Race, and Color

The American Anthropological Association's Statement on "Race" (1998) asserts that "Historical research has shown that the idea of 'race' has always carried more meanings than mere physical differences; indeed, physical variations in the human species have no meaning except the social ones that humans put on them." Drawing from the two documentary videos Haiti & the Dominican Republic: An Island Divided? and Brazil in Black and White, develop an argument about the social meanings attributed to race in Hispaniola and Brazil.

Module III: Religion, Faith, and Belief Systems

Develop an argument that critically explains the significance of liberation theology and the rapid rise of Protestantism, especially Pentecostal and evangelical churches, in Latin America over the past fifty years.

Module IV: Gender and Sexuality

In the chapter "In Women's Hands," Peter Winn argues that the mythical ideals and harsh realities of marianismo and machismo are changing in modern Latin America. Drawing from the historical experience of arpilleristas in Chile as well as the fictional world of Manuel Puig's novel Kiss of the Spider Woman, identify and explain the nature of challenge to traditional roles of sex, gender, and sexuality in Latin America in recent times, notably under the period of military dictatorship.

There will be a handful of bonus identifications (extra credit).

An optional review session will be held Monday, November 21. 6:00-8:00pm in KEY 1117.


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