HIS/WST 355: Cultural Conflict and Change in Latin America: The Central American Context
Course Syllabus
“We are what we know and when what we know changes, we change”
James Burke
Instructor: Kathleen McBride, M.Ed., Harvard University (cgenica@ibw.com.ni)
Augsburg Perspectives, Skills, and Course Cross-Listings
This course meets the Humanities Liberal Arts Foundations (LAF) and Speaking Skill requirements at Augsburg College. It is cross-listed as a Women’s Studies course in Mexico and Central America.
Introduction and Course Description
The study of history traditionally aims to examine the past in order to better inform the present context and future decisions. However, the question posed by acclaimed historian Howard Zinn i.e. “What is our responsibility now?” approaches history from the perspective of the active historian. The primary purpose of this course is to explore the history of conflict and social change in Central America by examining the social, political and economic dynamics of the region since the 1800´s. The course will explore the impact of United States foreign policy on Central America from the perspective of the active historian. It will also examine women’s distinct voices in Central American history through the application of feminist analysis.
This course provides a historical introduction to issues of conflict and social change in Central America giving special emphasis to the frequently undocumented and forgotten role of women. The social construction of race, class, gender and ethnicity and the resulting conducts that have lead to the inequities between the U.S. and Central America will be studied between 1700´s and the 20th century. You will have the opportunity to examine primary and secondary sources as well as oral histories.
The course includes five units: I) Introduction: a critical analysis to conflict and change; II) How perspectives on race, class, ethnicities and gender have influenced the politics and social structures of Central America; III ) Sandino and U.S. occupation and intervention; IV) the emergence of revolutionary movements in the 20th century, and V) Lessons in the post-war period. You will explore the roles that women played in each historical period in and their efforts to challenge the gender roles ascribed to them while defining their own place in history.
Educational Goals
- Trace the historical development of gender, class-based and racial oppression in Central America.
- Apply feminist analysis to the critique of historical documents.
- Describe the impact of U.S. interventions in Central America on peasants, women, indigenous peoples, and people of African descent.
- Explain the inequities that have resulted from the social construction of race, class and gender.
- Compare and contrast divergent perspectives in specific periods of Central American history.
- Identify key moments in the history of resistance by women and other marginalized groups in Central America.
- Develop the critical reasoning skills necessary to analyze and interpret historical events by reading, writing, speaking, and thinking about history.
- Reflect on your own role as a historical actor and potential agent of social change.
Required Texts
Randal, Margaret. Sandino’s Daughters Revisited: Feminism in Nicaragua. Rutgers University Press, 1994.
Course Expectations
- Effective class participation (10 %) includes a demonstrated effort to dialogue with speakers, ask probing questions, relate assigned reading to class discussion topics and leading a class discussion with 3-4 other classmates on Unit II, III or V.
- One essay of 750-1000 words (15%)
- One analytical paper on testimonial literature (20%)
- A Comprehensive Take Home Exam (between 12 and 15 pages). (25%)
- Final Project & Oral Presentation (30%)
Written criteria will be provided for each assignment
