Modern Latin America

In general most class days will be devoted to lectures. However, every week on Fridays we will usually take time to discuss the materials read in the prior class meetings.  Even though I have selected some Fridays for the purpose of holding a seminar like discussions, students are encouraged to participate actively during other class sessions as well.  In fact, I should note that I do not recognize clear boundaries between my lectures and discussions and we will move continuously between them. To a large extent this is due to the objectives, which I have established for myself. We will be relying to a very large extent on secondary publications and primary sources, the very heart of history, so it is very important for you to stay current with your reading assignments.  Class discussion will explore, in greater depth, specific themes or issues.  That places greater responsibility on you to use your texts to provide the chronological structure.  In other words, the texts will provide the chronological substance and class discussion will focus on specific aspects of that chronology.  Together they should provide as much breadth and depth as is possible in a semester course. But that presumes that you are an active partner in the learning process.  Each reading will be analyzed from its theoretical and methodological perspectives as well as for its conceptions about the region.

Courses comprise communities of learners with responsibilities to one another. Our particular community is governed by the code of conduct at Cleveland State University, and rules of simple courtesy. We expect to listen and engage our peers respectfully, which includes turning cell phones off, arriving on time, and not interrupting, or carrying on side conversations. We will strive to create a learning community that fosters critical inquiry. Everyone is responsible for developing and engaging this community. This means that students should prepare for class by doing course readings prior to class and by coming prepared to discuss the materials.

Civility and respect are the final components of a successful course community. Students showing incivility to one another or the instructor and/or demonstrating a lack of respect to one another or the instructor, may be asked to leave the setting in which this lack of respect/incivility is demonstrated. Use of cell phones, text messaging, or email during class is a violation of the rules of conduct for this course. After a first warning, each such instance will result in a grade reduction for course participation points. Three violations will result in receiving 0 participation and/or attendance points. If such behavior continues, further disciplinary action and/or grade reduction may occur. Threats and/or any menacing behaviors will immediately be reported to university police.

In accordance with normal CSU course guidelines, each student is expected to make a commitment of twelve hours of work per week to this course—beyond attending class sessions. This time commitment will show in student preparation for class, excellent and thoughtful written assignments, and work handed in on time. It is also expected that students create PRINT COPIES of all Electronic Course Reserve readings in advance and to bring them to class as part of the discussion. It will be assumed that students not bring such materials did not prepare in advance.