2007 LA ST 210 B1: Introduction to Latin American Studies: South America

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Course Prerequites: NONE

Course-Based Ethics Approval in place regarding all research projects that involve human testing, questionaires, etc.? cYes xNo, not needed, no such projects involved

Course Description and Objectives:

This course will provide students with a general understanding of the cultural, historical, and socio-political contexts of South America. Through a number of units of study, organized around specific social/cultural moments in South American history, the course will explore both high intellectual versions of cultural history as well as more popular genres (popular music, cinema, oral traditions and folklore) that shape South American identities. The students will develop an awareness of regional and national similarities and the differences that distinguishes its various countries and populations from one another.

Texts:

Required: 
LAST 210 Selected Readings. Course pack available at U of A Bookstore. 
John Charles Chasteen: Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America. 2nd Ed. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2006.

Grade Distribution:    

Term Work Distribution:

Class Participation: Class attendance and participation are important. It is to the benefit of the student to attend class prepared to contribute to the class discussion, make comments, and ask questions. This will make the learning experience more enjoyable for all of us. Throughout the semester there will be in-class assignments, group work and discussions.

Final Paper: Each student will have to hand in a final term paper on one of the assigned topics. The purpose of this paper is to show how the student grapples with the material discussed in class, and his/her ability to take a critical position on an important issue in Latin American Studies. The essay will be a length of Eight to Ten (8-10) typed-written pages, as well as contain bibliography and notes in correct format. The paper will be due on the last day of class (April 13, 2007).

Quizzes: There will be a total of five quizzes throughout the semester. All of the quizzes will be announced one class in advanced. If the student misses such class s/he is responsible for finding out whether there will be a quiz or not in the following class. No makeup quizzes will be allowed.

Exams: There will be two exams in the course (a 50 min. Midterm on February 5, 2007 and a 3 hour Final Exam on April 18, 2007). Each exam will test the student's comprehension and grasp of the material as well as the student's ability to take that knowledge and apply it in a discussion of certain related topics.

Required Notes:

"Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar." (GFC 29 SEP 2003).

"The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at www.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University." (GFC 29 SEP 2003)

Plagiarism and Cheating:

All students should consult the "Truth-In-Education" handbook or Website (http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/TIE/) regarding the definitions of plagiarism and its consequences when detected. 

Attendance, Absences, and Missed Grade Components: 

Regular daily attendance is essential for optimal performance.In cases of potentially excusable absences due to illness or domestic affliction, notify your instructor by e-mail within two days. 

Regarding absences that may be excusable and procedures for addressing course components missed as a result, consult sections 23.4.2 and 23.4.3 of the University Calendar. 
Be aware that unexcused absences will result in partial or total loss of the grade for the "attendance and participation" component(s) of a course, as well as for any assignments that are not handed-in or completed as a result.

Policy for Late Assignments: 

Students who consult in advance with an instructor regarding contingencies preventing the timely completion of an assignment may, at the discretion of the instructor, be granted an extension. Otherwise, assignments may be handed in one class-day after the stated deadline without penalty, with a 5%-per-class-day penalty assessed for each subsequent class-day of lateness.

Grading:

Marks for assignments, tests, and exams are given in percentages, to which letter grades are also assigned, according to the table below ("MLCS Grading Scale"). The percentage mark resulting from the entire term work and examination then produces the final letter grade for the course.

MLCS Grading Scale:

Outstanding: Superior performance showing understanding and knowledge of the subject matter far exceeding expectations.

I hope we all have an intellectually stimulating, engaging and enjoyable semester! J