University Studies Course Approval

Program: Geography

Course Number: 225

Semester Hours: 3

Frequency of Offering: Every semester, grade only, no prerequisite

Course Title: Geography of Latin America

Catalog Description: A study of the complex, cultural, racial, political and economic patterns which have developed in Latin America since 1492 – within its physical geographic setting. Grade only.

This is an existing course previously approved by A2C2: Yes

This is a new course proposal: No

Proposal Category: Unity and Diversity: Multicultural Perspectives

Departmental Contact: Jerry Gerlach, ext. 5432

Approval/Disapproval Recommendation form attached.

University Studies Course: Unity and Diversity

Multicultural perspectives

Geography of Latin America (Geography 225)

C. Multicultural Perspectives

1. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultural patterns and similarities of thought, values and beliefs manifest in different cultures.

The geography of Latin America is designed to give students a view of an area of the world that possesses a culture different from that of Anglo-America. The course is structured to allow students to know the basic differences between Latin and Anglo-American culture as it applies to their way of life. The further continuation of this thought carries over to how the Latinos use their environment to live.

2. Understand the extent to which cultural differences influence the interpretation and expression of events, ideas, and experiences.

Latin culture is compared with other world cultures in a number of ways to explain this topic. The experiences center on the creation of Latin cultures by melding together the Latin and Native American and African elements. The population and economic components of each culture are compared with an emphasis on individuality, social stratification, and the role of the sexes. These apply to the family, the groups, and the nation and their slow rates of economic development.

3. Understand the extent to which cultural differences influence the interaction between groups/individuals.

These differences are examined with special emphasis on the relationship in Latin America between Latinos and Native Americans, Latinos and Africans, the social classes in each country, the landowners and the landless, the Latinos and the outsiders (especially Anglo-Americans). The relationships are examined in both economic and social ways. The results of their relationships are used to help explain the land use systems in the area.

4. Examine different cultures through their various expressions.

Course Description

A study of the complex cultural, social, political, demographic, and economic patterns which have developed in Latin America since 1492 – within its physical geographical setting.

Course Goals

University Studies; Unity and Diversity: Multicultural Perspective (US:MP in syllabus outline) are used to explain course content, areas covered, and assessment of the student.

Course Objectives

To describe and analyze the cultural landscapes of Latin America. This will involve an overview of the whole region followed by regional studies of the area. Activities in class may include lecture, discussion, presentations, and in- and out-of-class papers.

UNIVERSITY STUDIES COURSE

UNITY AND DIVERSITY: MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVE
(UD:MP in Syllabus Outline)

 

I. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse patterns and similarities of thought, values and beliefs as manifest in different cultures.

A. Goal:

The students will understand the culture of an area different than their own. Comparisons between Anglo and Latin American cultures are stressed. The comparison will stress differences in how the Latin Americans’ use of the landscape has evolved.

II. Understand the extent to which cultural differences influence the interpretation of events, ideas and experiences.

A. Goal:

To understand these parts of Latin culture by comparing it with other world cultures. The experience centers on the creation of Latin culture by the molding together of Latin, Native American and African elements. The populations and economic components are compared with an emphasis on individuality, social stratification, and the role of the sexes. These are applied to the family, the group and the nation. These are also compared to their rate of economic development.

III. Understand the extent to which cultural differences influence the interaction between groups/individuals.

A. Goal:

To understand the relationships that exist between Latinos and Native Americans, Latinos and Africans, the social classes in each country, the landowners and the landless, and the Latinos and the outsiders (especially Anglo-Americans). The aim is to understand more clearly relationships in both economic and social terms. This is then used to explain the land use systems of the area.

IV. Examine different cultures through various expressions

A. Goal:

To understand the various cultural landscapes of Latin America and how they developed. To note why urban living is preferred, even in agricultural societies. Students will learn the power of the primate cities and what they are related to. The traditional power of the army, church, and landowners is examined. The traditional lack of industrialization is observed and compared with the landowning tradition. Finally, the recent changes in Latin American culture and development are noted emphasizing their comparison with other areas of the world

 

Text

Latin America and the Caribbean, 3^rd ed., by B.W. Blouet and O.M. Blouet.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is mandatory at all classes. A student is allowed two unexcused absences. For every unexcused absence, two points will be subtracted from the student’s final numerical grade. Valid excuses are those accepted by the Dean of the College. All make-up tests, if excused, will be given on the last day of the semester.

Grading Policy

The final grade will be determined by the grades the student has earned on the exams. The exams include material covered in the lecture and the text.

90 plus = A

80 plus = B

70 plus = C

60 plus = D

1. Introduction

1. Latin American patterns Ch 1-7

UD:MD 1-4

1. Regions

1. Mexico Ch 8

UD:MD 1-4

2. Central America Ch 9

UD:MD 1-4

3. West Indies Ch 10

UD:MD 1-4

4. Andean America Ch 11

UD:MD 1-4

5. Southern Core Ch 13