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Professor: Jordana Dym

Email:jdym@skidmore.edu

Phone:580-5272

Office: TLC 326

Office Hours: Tu: 3:30-4:30; W 2-4; Th 10-12 or by appt.

Class Times and Location:
W, F 10:10-11:30, TLC 302

REQUIREMENTS

This course will meet three times a week; two meetings will combine lecture and some discussion; the third meeting will be discuss historical primary and secondary source materials and how they contribute (or don't) to our understanding of key individuals and events in Latin America's past. All elements of the course must be completed satisfactorily; failure to attend discussion or failure to complete the written assignments satisfactorily may result in failure of the course. College policies on integrity are strictly enforced. No paper may be turned in electronically (via e-mail) without the prior consent of the instructor.

Cuban President Fidel Castro, center, decorated with the Liberator Order by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, left, and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jose Rangel, Monday, Oct. 30, 2000. The portraits seen behind are Venezuelan independence hero Simon Bolivar, left and Cuban independence hero Jose Marti. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

1. Participation-15 % All students will be expected to come to class, keep up with weekly readings and participate in class discussions. Instructor will look for faithful attendance, prompt completion of weekly readings, thoughtful discussion that shows analytical ability, and a desire to create a friendly, respectful and articulate atmosphere in the class room. Up to two absences will not affect the participation grade. (10%-attendance; 10%-participation)

2. Position Papers (3)- 30% total
Students will write three 250-300-word position papers as part of preparation for class discussions, choosing from three opportunities
(DUE: Oct. 13, Nov. 3, Nov. 17).

3. Analytical Essays (2)- 20% each All students will write 2 analytical essays of 5-7 pages (1250-1750 words) that respond to questions about primary and secondary sources assigned for class. You may choose two of three paper topics provided. In the papers, students should demonstrate understanding 1) of how the text fits into the unit of the course; and 2) how the text contributes to understanding of a place, event, individual or other aspect of Latin American history. Grades will affect evaluation of both form and content: appropriate language, correct grammar, and careful construction of sentences are key to communication of ideas. See Writing Tips webpage (www.skidmore.edu/~jdym/ Writing_Handout-Skidmore.htm) for additional information.
DUE: September 29 (19th century); December 10 (19th/20th c)

4. Biographies -15% Students will select from a list of important figures in 19th & 2oth c. Latin American history, and prepare a 5-10 minute biographical sketch and a 400-500 word paper based on at least 2 approved sources. Format of the oral presentation is up to the student. Professor will grade the written work, and the class will grade the oral presentation on the basis of its success in being informative AND engaging/interesting/lively/entertaining.

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Fidel Castro, seen here walking in New York's Central Park in 1955, came to the United States to raise money from Cuban exiles for the revolution against the dictatorial regime of Fulgencio Batista. More photos can be found at the Washington Post, Scenes from a Revolution Photo from "Fidel's Cuba: A Revolution in Pictures," © 1998 Osvaldo and Roberto Salas

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