History 251
Latin American History II

http://www.history.umd.edu/Faculty/DWilliams/Spring07/HIST251

Course Description | Requirements | Readings
Grading | Academic Integrity | Honor Pledge | Schedule

Prof. Daryle Williams
Department of History
2131A Francis Scott Key Hall
(301) 405-4267
daryle@umd.edu
http://www.history.umd.edu/Faculty/DWilliams

Office Hours: By appointment only (after lectures are generally good for quick questions)

Course Description and Organization

HIST 251 is an introductory survey of the history of Latin America from the era of independence (c. 1800-1825) through the early 1980s. The course explores the historical evolution of the political economy and the political culture of Spanish and Portuguese America, paying close attention to selected historical figures, trends, concepts, and events that help shape our understanding of modern Latin America. Recurrent themes to be discussed include colonialism and independence, nation- and state-building, liberalism, citizenship, economic development and modernization, social organization and stratification, race and ethnicity, gender relations, identity politics, reform and revolution, authoritarianism and democratization, and interamerican relations.

The course has been divided into four eras. Within each era, the lectures will emphasize major themes of continuity and change in the historical formation of modern Latin American society. The weekly discussion sections are structured to sharpen interpretive skills in historical analysis by exploring themes raised in the lectures and assigned readings.

The course meets weekly for two fifty-minute lectures and one fifty-minute discussion section.

HIST 251 satisfies CORE requirements for Diversity (D) and Social or Political History (SH).

Course Requirements

A pass/fail Map Quiz will be given at the end of lecture on Wednesday, January 31. A study sheet, with links to online maps, is available at the course website. Seven or more correct responses will be a pass. If you do not pass the quiz on the first time, you will have a second opportunity to take the quiz.

The First Paper is due Monday, February 26. [NEW DUE DATE] The six-page paper will ask that you analyze Simón Bolívar in historical context.

The Midterm will be held in class Wednesday, March 14. The exam will cover materials presented during the first half of the course.

The Second Paper is due on Wednesday, May 9. The topic of this six-page paper will be announced after the midterm break.

The Final Examination will be held on Friday, May 18, 2007, at 8:00am. The two-hour exam will be cumulative in scope, with emphasis placed on materials presented during the second half of the course.

All students are encouraged to seek out the professor and/or teaching assistant for guidance in writing well-organized and engaging papers. Outlines and/or rough drafts are always welcome. Many may benefit from a session with The Writing Center, located in 0125 Taliaferro Hall. The Writing Center accepts both appointments and drop-in visits. Tel: 301-405-3785.

Assigned Readings

The following books and articles have been assigned as required reading. Books are available for purchase through the University Book Center, Maryland Book Exchange, and most online book vendors. Articles are available full-text, either as a stable URL or via the ResearchPort portal of the University Libraries.

Chasteen, John Charles. Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America. Second Edition. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006.

Barnet, Miguel. Biography of a Runaway Slave. Rev. ed edition. Willimantic, CT: Curbstone Press, 1994.

Collier, Simon, "Nationality, Nationalism, and Supranationalism in the Writings of Simon Bolivar," Hispanic American Historical Review, 63:1 (1983): 37-64. [JSTOR]

Graham, Richard, ed. The Idea of Race in Latin America. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1990.

Kraay, Hendrik. "Patriotic Mobilization in Brazil: The Zuavos and other Black Companies," in I Die with My Country: Perspectives on the Paraguayan War, 1864-1870, Hendrik Kraay and Thomas Whigham, eds. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2004, pp. 61-80. [PDF]

Lynch, John. Simón Bolívar: A Life. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2006.

Plotkin, Mariano Ben. Mañana es San Perón: A Cultural History of Peron's Argentina. Wilmington, DE: Scholarly Resources, 2003.

Quadros, Jânio. "Brazil's New Foreign Policy," Foreign Affairs 40:1 (1961): 19-27. [PDF]

Townsend, Camilla. "'Half My Body Free, the Other Half Enslaved': The Politics of the Slaves of Guayaquil at the End of the Colonial Era," Colonial Latin American Review 7:1 (June 1998): 105-124. URL: http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/link.asp?id=qx971agcgqx348jc

Weschler, Lawrence. A Miracle, A Universe: Settling Accounts with Torturers. Revised Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago, 1998.

The following is optional:

LaRosa, Michael and Germán Mejía, An Atlas and Survey of Latin American History. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe, 2007.

All books have been placed on Course Reserves in McKeldin Library.

Grading Policies

Final grades will be determined by the following formula:

*The Discussion Section is one of the most important components of the course. Therefore, one-fifth of the total grade for the course is determined in section. The details of your section grade will be outlined during the first discussion section meeting. Generally, active and thoughtful participation will not only enhance the overall quality of learning, it will work in favor of students whose final grade falls near a borderline. Conversely, passive or nonexistent participation will diminish the quality of discussion sections and result in a lowered grade for students who choose not to engage.

Keep in mind that attendance in discussion section is expected, but will not guarantee a high grade. Five or more absences will result in an automatic failing grade for one-half of the discussion section.

Late papers will not be accepted without prior approval. With the exception of legitimate excuses, late papers may be subject to a grade penalty of up to one full grade for each day late.

Academic Integrity

Statement of Academic Integrity

The Code of Academic Integrity guides this and all other courses taught at the University of Maryland. Violations of the Code may result in a failing grade and/or referral to the appropriate University disciplinary committee.

Should you have ANY questions or doubts about Academic Integrity, including questions of citation and attribution, you should consult your professor, your teaching assistant, and/or the Student Honor Council.

The Honor Pledge

Under the provisions of the resolution adopted by the University Senate on April 9, 2001, and approved by President Mote on May 10, 2001, all students will be asked to write by hand and sign the Honor Pledge on all written assignments and examinations, unless otherwise instructed. 

Course Schedule