Introduccion a la cultura y civilizacion latinoamericana

Course Description

This course, held in Spanish, offers a critical reading and discussion to various aspects of life in Latin American countries from early times to the present. Focusing on the social and political development of Latin America, the course will reveal the unity and diversity that characterize contemporary Latin American culture. Typical topics for study include: the pre-Columbian civilizations and their cultural legacy; the conquistadores and the colonial period; the independence movements, the search for and the definition of an American identity; the twentieth-century dictatorships; and the move toward democracy

The format of the course will alternate between lectures given by the professor and seminar-style discussions of the required readings. The amount of reading, writing and critical thinking required for this course will be considerable. Be prepared to spend a good amount of time reading, writing and thinking.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcome for the study of a modern language as part of a minor/major requirement is to bring the student to a level of advance/superior in the target language as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). For modern languages the learning outcomes for the four language skills and culture at the advance/superior level can be summarized as follows:

• Speaking
• Writing
• Listening
• Reading
• Culture

Texts and Materials

• Eugenio Chang-Rodríguez, Latinoamérica: su civilización y su cultura (Heinle Cengage Learning, 2008)
• Handouts - Download from Sakai (Resources)
• A good dictionary

Syllabus

Syllabus (pdf)

Saint Anselm Academic and Computing Links

• Sakai
• CIS Portal
• The Academic Resource Center (ARC)
• Study Abroad Office

General Policies:

Computer access: The general rule is, "never turn in a paper without running the spell check!" Please be aware that since computer use is required for many of our courses, the lab does become crowded, particularly before class. Students who stop in with minutes to spare many not find a vacant computer or printer, and thus may not be able to turn in an assignment. See the policy on Late Work.

Late Work: Late work will not be accepted. Please do not ask for extensions. There are no make-up quizzes or exams. Do not make travel arrangements until you have consulted your mid-term and final exam schedule. Exceptions to this policy will be made only in cases of serious illness, injury or other serious emergencies, of which verification must be provided.

Office hours: I enjoy the opportunity to speak with my students. Drop by whenever you wish.

Accessing and Communicating Course Information: This syllabus and other important information for this course can be found at Sakai. Paper assignments, web links and other information will be posted there regularly throughout the semester. Students are responsible for material posted there, so please be sure that you can access the site, and that you are signed up to receive course e-mail at your CAMPUS e-mail account. I know you get a ton of e-mails. However, you are required to check and keep open your campus e-mail account for crucial campus communications. Please see the Student Handbook for details. Students should keep their e-mail accounts active by checking regularly and clearing out deleted mail. Any emergency course cancellations will be communicated by e-mail.

Course and College Policies

• Grading
• Attendance
• Students with Disabilities
• Academic Integrity at Saint Anselm College
• Courtesy

Disclaimer

All topics, quizzes, exams and their dates are subject to change. Advance notification will be given in case of any changes.