Latin American Studies (LAST) 201 - Lecture 01
INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ROOTS
OF LATIN AMERICA
Fall 2007
Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 -9:15 AM
(September 11-December 6/ Final Exam: December 10-19)

Instructor:	Prof. Dario Bustamante
Office Location:	SS 329
Office Phone:	220 7608
E-Mail:	bustaman@ucalgary.ca
Web Page:
Office Hours:	by appointment

Course Description

This course explores the fascinating events of the discovery and conquest of the "New World" and, what is even more exciting, its "Recreation" through the massive encounter of different cultures, biological diversities, ethnicities, and political, social and economic systems. It is perhaps, one of the best examples of the "Clash of Civilizations" in the modern world. Many lessons can be learned from the observation and study of the new realities that resulted from those encounters of continental scale and from their diversity and dynamism: the massive intermixing of all the so-called "human races", the construction and destruction of empires of global dimensions, the environmental challenges of combining previously isolated "biological packages", the search for cultural identities, the challenges of Nation and State building, the struggles for sovereignty and economic development, and the difficult search for more democratic and egalitarian societies. To have a better understanding about Latin America is not only an opportunity to learn from the experiences of other countries of the Americas, many times with similar problems to those of Canada, but also to obtain a better grasp of the consequences of Globalization, a condition that we are all facing today. Additionally, it improves the possibility of enjoying the cultural, economic and political opportunities of a growing interaction with the neighbors of the Western Hemisphere. This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the region, through the use of readings, audiovisual materials and class discussions.

Objectives of the Course

1. Explore the roots of cultural diversity in the natural environment. 2. Provide an introduction to the cultures and civilizations of Mesoamerica and South America prior to the arrival of the European colonizers. 3. Emphasize the Ecological and environmental complexity of the region terms of agricultural and economic systems. 4. Discuss demographic trends and economic institutions that characterize the colonial period in the region. 5. Explore the historical evolution of the present day political geography. 6. Contextualize the present day cultures and peoples of Latin America. 7. Stimulate thoughtful debate and discussion on issues of the region.

Textbooks and Readings:

LATIN AMERICA and ITS PEOPLE, by Martin, Cheryl E. and Wasserman, Mark. Pearson Longman, New York, Second Edition 2007.

Assignments and Evaluation

It is the student's responsibility to keep a copy of each submitted assignment.

Note: Please return assignments directly to the instructor if possible. If it is not possible to do so, a daytime drop box is available in SS110; a date stamp is provided for your use. A night drop box is also available for after-hours submission. Assignments will be removed the following morning, stamped with the previous day's date, and placed in the instructor's mailbox.

First Mid-term exam (Worth 25%): October 9. It will be a combination of Multiple choice questions and essay questions (chapters 1-4 the textbook)

Second Midterm exam (Worth 25%): November 6. It will be a combination of Multiple choice questions and essay questions  (chapters 5-8)

Assignment (Worth 20%): November 15.  A written paper and oral presentation in class. Specifics will be given the first day of class.

Final Exam (Worth 30%): December10 -19. It will be a combination of Multiple choice questions and essay questions  (chapters 9-11)

Registrar-scheduled Final Examination:  Yes

Please note: If your class is held in the evening, the Registrar's Office will make every attempt to schedule the final exam during the evening; however, there is NO guarantee that the exam will NOT be scheduled during the day.

Policy for Late Assignments

Assignments submitted after the deadline may be penalized with the loss of a grade (e.g.: A- to B+) for each day late. 

Writing Skills Statement

Faculty policy directs that all written assignments (including, although to a lesser extent, written exam responses) will be assessed at least partly on writing skills. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Writing skills include not only surface correctness (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc) but also general clarity and organization. Research papers must be properly documented.

If you wish help with your writing at any stage, including drafts, you are invited to contact the Writing Centre, SS110, 220-7255. 

Grading System

The following grading system is used in the Faculty of Communication and Culture:

A+ (96-100); A (92-95); A- (86-91); B+ (81-85); B (77-80); B- (71-76);
C+ (65-70); C (62-64); C- (59-61); D+ (55-58); D (50-54); F (0-49)

Plagiarism

Using any source whatsoever without clearly documenting it is a serious academic offense. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Consequences include failure on the assignment, failure in the course and possibly suspension or expulsion from the university.

You must document not only direct quotations but also paraphrases and ideas where they appear in your text. A reference list at the end is insufficient by itself. Readers must be able to tell exactly where your words and ideas end and other people's words and ideas begin. This includes assignments submitted in non-traditional formats such as Web pages or visual media, and material taken from such sources.

Please consult your instructor or the Writing Centre (SS110) if you have any questions regarding how to document sources.

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability who may require academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to register with the Disability Resource Centre (220-8237) and discuss your needs with your instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the start of the course.

Students' Union

For details about the current Students' Union contacts for the Faculty of Communication and Culture see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info

"SAFEWALK" Program -- 220-5333

Campus Security will escort individuals day or night -- call 220-5333 for assistance. Use any campus phone, emergency phone or the yellow phone located at most parking lot booths.

Ethics

Whenever you perform research with human participants (i.e. surveys, interviews, observation) as part of your university studies, you are responsible for following university research ethics guidelines.  Your instructor must review and approve of your research plans and supervise your research.  For more information about your research ethics responsibilities, see the U of C Research Ethics "Information for Applicants," sections 3.0 to 9.0, inclusive: http://www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/research/html/ethics/info_undergrad.html

Schedule of Lectures and Readings

To be handed out in class.