Recommended: English 100 or 105 or equivalent. 

Survey of Latin American history including geography, indigenous peoples, early contact with Europeans, conquest, struggle for independ- ence, and development of modern Latin American nations. Transfer: UC; CSU (C2).

"Ah, poor Mexico...so far from God and so close to the United States." - annoymous

Course Information

Required Books

A History of Latin America, Seventh Edition, by Benjamin Keen and Keith Haynes. It is available in the bookstore

Key Themes in the Course
We will make no attempt at a comprehensive examination of all the information, however, we will focus on some important aspects of the social life, political behavior and cultural relationships of the people we meet. This course is not meant to be rote memorization, I am hoping to provoke some energetic thinking and creativity on your part. By the end of the course I sincerely hope that you think more reflectively and critically.

Objectives:

1. Communicate effectively your ideas both orally and in writing.
2. Develop critical reading and interpretative skills.
3. Understand and apply definitions of words and strengthen your vocabulary.
4. Listen responsively and attempt to maintain a level of open mindedness.
5. Apply ideas and concepts from world societies to present day events.

Responsibilities
Your responsibilities include reading the required assignments before coming to class and being prepared for exams or written assignments. This means having a scantron/bluebook and pencil.

Attendance
It is important that you come to class. You will be allowed four absences, any over this number and I will deduct three points for each additional absence from your final grade. Chronic lateness will also be penalized by a deduction of five points at the end of the semester. I will also drop you if you are chronically absent, late, or for poor academic performance. I will take your attendance and class participation into account at the end of the semester.
 
Exams
There will be a series of quizzes, writing assignments, and class discussions. Exams must be taken on the day assigned. There will be no make-ups unless a doctor's note on official stationary is provided. Format of the make-up exams will be at the discretion of the instructor. A make-up must be taken within the week of the given exam after that...forget it.

You can earn a total of 400 pts. for this class. The assignments are as follows:

4 quizzes (25 pts. each)
2 map quizzes (25 pts. each)
Writing assignments (50 pts.)
Term project (100 pts.)
Final Exam (100 pts.)

Once the semester officially ends I will grade you on all of the materials that are in my posession.
 
Grading Breakdown
400-365 =A
365-330 =B
330-295 =C
295-260 =D
below 260 =F
 

Please
1. No pagers
2. No cellphones - cellphones must be turned off and not visible.
3. If you are going to be absent for more than one consecutive class, please call me. This is for your protection as well as mine.
4. If you need to leave early please let me know before class begins.
5. Please do not give me elaborate excuses as to why you weren't in class or why you did not do the assignments. I'll respect you more if you tell me the truth.

Students With Disabilities
If you have a disability and require accommodations, please advise me during the first week of class. To be provided with the appropriate accommodations, you will need to obtain a signed form from the Disabled Students Programs and Services (650-738-4280).

Basic Information
1. Assignments are due at the BEGINNING of class. For each weekday an assignment is late I will deduct 10 pts.
2. If you are late to any exam I may be willing to give you a makeup (see above), however, I ask that you not enter the classroom and disturb others.
3. If you simply stop attending class and do not withdraw through Admissions and Records you will receive an F grade.
4. Attendance will be taken daily.
5. Please turn off all pagers and cell phones before class begins. In case of emergency - and only in these cases - the cell phone may be placed in silent mode.  At no times are cell phones to be answered or used in class for any purposes.
6. All submitted work must be typed (double-spaced) and stapled with your G# on it.  I will not accept papers with social security numbers or names on them.

Integrity
I can not emphasize strongly enough the importance of maintaining and respecting academic integrity. What we're talking about is cheating and plagiarism. Cheating is the act of obtaining academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent acts. Plagiarism is taking someone else's work and passing it off as your own. I have "zero tolerance" for cheating and plagiarism. If I catch you plagiarizing (and believe me I will!) you will receive an F for the course. If you want to discuss this further please see me or check out page 24 in the Skyline College catalog.
 
My door is always open should you have questions, concerns or problems.

Reading Assignments

Sp 2008