UT-112 Introduction to Latin-American Studies: History, Development and Society

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Spanish, One-year Programme

Teaching language

English and Spanish

Recommended prerequisites

1/3 of the teaching and literature will be in Spanish and compulsory assignments and the exam must be in Spanish. Recommended previous knowledge: Language skills equivalent to level 2 in upper secondary school (general studies branch)/B1 Common European Framework for Languages are recommended. A language course or a stay in a Spanish speaking country is also recommended.

Course contents

This introductory course provides the students with a broad overview of important characteristics of Latin-American history, social structures and current development issues. The course will enable the students to understand and analyse contemporary development processes on the continent, but also how these are marked by and influence the global context. A general introduction to colonial and post-colonial history is provided at the beginning of the course to establish a basic understanding for the analysis of various key topics. State and nation building, economic politics, social inequality, the role of social movements and indigenous peoples, and the influence of religion are key aspects. Knowledge on social stratification based on gender, ethnicity, “race” and class is also central to understand contemporary Latin America.

 

Particular cases and countries are discussed to illustrate more general features and mechanisms at play in Latin America and beyond. The course emphasizes key development issues in the region, such as the effect of climate change and environmental conflicts and the search for “alternative” models of development. Mobility and demographic changes will also be discussed, with particular focus on the rural-urban and transnational migration.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• identify key characteristics of Latin American history and discuss markers of social stratification, such as ethnicity, class, “race” and gender, in order to analyse contemporary challenges

• explain and compare relationships between social movements and states in different periods and countries in Latin America

• discuss economic structures, inequality and development ideas in Latin America and how these relate to global structures

• explain relevant demographic development features like rural-urban migration and transnational migration

• identify and discuss the most pertinent environmental challenges on the continent and its importance on a global level

• be able to use knowledge of specific countries to illustrate and discuss current development characteristics in Latin America

Examination requirements

Participation in compulsory activities, group presentations and approved assignments (in Spanish).

 

For students taking “Lektorutdanning” one of the compulsory assignments is replaced with two weeks praxis.

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminars, group presentations and group assignments.

The lectures and the curriculum are in English (2/3) and in Spanish (1/3). Estimated workload, 27 hours per credit.

Evaluation

The study program/course coordinator and the student representative determine the evaluation form, and whether the courses/subjects are to be assessed mid-way or upon completion (cf. the quality system, chapter 4.1. Information about the course/subject will be published in Canvas).

Offered as Single Standing Module

 Yes

Assessment methods and criteria

A five-day home exam graded A to F written in Spanish

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course	Reduction of Credits
UT-112 – Introduction to Spanish and Latin-American Studies: History, Development and Society	10
UT-111 – Introduction to Latin-American Studies: History, Development and Society	10
UT-115 – Global development issues in a Latin American context	10