This is an introductory course about the early period of Latin American and Caribbean history, an extraordinary breadth of time, space, and subjects which relate deeply to the world in which we live. We begin by exploring both Amerindian civilizations on the eve of European arrival in the Americas, as well as key developments in the Iberian Peninsula and in western Africa. Our attention to "the before" of our principal focus also underscores that there was nothing natural or inevitable about what followed, nothing set in stone.

Beyond the point of European arrivals and invasions, we juxtapose Spanish and Portuguese dreams and designs of domination, and the shock of violence and devastation with acts of resistance, strategic adaptation to institutional structures, and the remarkable transformations that bring to fruition new societies, symbols, and cultural forms. Unintended consequences and re-inventions of various kinds in Latin America become our special emphases. We close with consideration of late colonial reforms and discontent that eerily prefigure our own day.

For more information about how this course may count toward the Spanish major or minor requirements, students should visit the Romance Languages and Literature website.

Course Requirements:

A series of short papers; take home assignments; preparations for and participation in lecture and discussion sections

Intended Audience:

Undergraduates at all stages

Class Format:

Lecture/Discussion