Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
Throughout the 20th century Latin America has experienced a symbiosis between its cultural production and its social and political realities. This course aims to deepen students' knowledge of Latin American cultural production with a particular emphasis on the 20th century, for example: "costumbrismo", muralism, indigenism, "modernismo". The course will look at major social and political movements and examine how these have interacted to fashion Latin America's cultural debates and production.
By examining and analysing several cultural practices and political movementsﾠin Latin American countries, students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding by contrasting how Latin Americans and those outside of it (namely Europe and the USA) have constructed their imagination of Latin America in the 20th Century. These cultural practices will be studied by looking at the historical context in which they emerged. This course is comprised of three modules:ﾠ
Module 1- Mexican Muralists & Frida Kahlo: The Imaginary of the Opressed in the Mexican Art of the 1930s. This module will look at the way ‘oppressed’ subjects emerge in the paintings of Mexican authors during the first half of the 20th century. Particular attention will be given to Muralism: a significant artistic movement that is the product of the social and political forces that were shaping Mexico and the Americas during that period. The painting of Frida Kahlo will also be examined within this context.
Module 2 - Inventing Argentinaﾠ This module will analyse how Argentina has been imagined and inventedﾠwithin and without. It will examine how debates around national identity have seared this country's cultural landscape in the 20th century, namely: the question of 'Civilization and Barbarism', the tango, football and the populist movement headed by Juan Domingo Perón and the subsequent cult of Evita Peron.
Module 3 -ﾠErnesto 'Che' Guevara: This module explores one of the most enigmatic and controversial Latin American intellectual and political figures whose ideas and actions reverberated throughout the world in the second half of the 20th century and beyond.
Course requirements
Assumed background
LTCS2022 is an accompanying course to LTCS2026 Cultures of Latin America and LTCS3000 Latin America Perspectives. These courses count toward the Major and Extended Major in Spanish. They can also be taken as electives as part of the BA.
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Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
4 units of Arts courses
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Public holidays:
Alternative arrangements for affected students will be announced through the Blackboard site.
Class allocation:
In order to optimise the student experience, it may be necessary to reallocate students to a different class from their first choice.
Before this happens, every effort will be made to enable students to voluntarily change into an alternative class that is suitable. Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email hass.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Additional information and support can be found here.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to broaden students' appreciation and understanding of Latin America's cultural history, by examining some of the cultural, social and historical forces that have contributed to its development in the 20th Century.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Reading Comprehension ONLINE QUIZZES (IN-CLASS)
|
25% (5 Quizzes x 5% each) |
Quiz 1 - WEEK 2 - 7/08/2025 8:00 am Quiz 2 - WEEK 4 - 21/08/2025 8:00 am Quiz 3 - WEEK 6 - 4/09/2025 8:00 am Quiz 4 - WEEK 7 - 18/09/2025 8:00 am Quiz 5 - WEEK 11 - 23/10/2025 8:00 am
Completed in-class via Blackboard. |
| Essay/ Critique |
ESSAY 1: MODULE 1 MEXICO
|
25% (1,500 words) |
8/09/2025 5:00 pm
Monday, WEEK 7 |
| Essay/ Critique, Examination |
ESSAY 2: MODULE 2 ARGENTINA (IN-SEMESTER EXAM)
|
25% 750 - 850 words |
9/10/2025
WEEK 10 In class essay. |
| Essay/ Critique |
ESSAY 3: MODULE 3 ERNESTO "CHE GUEVARA"
|
25% (1,500 words) |
31/10/2025 5:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 13 |
Assessment details
Reading Comprehension ONLINE QUIZZES (IN-CLASS)
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 25% (5 Quizzes x 5% each)
- Due date
Quiz 1 - WEEK 2 - 7/08/2025 8:00 am
Quiz 2 - WEEK 4 - 21/08/2025 8:00 am
Quiz 3 - WEEK 6 - 4/09/2025 8:00 am
Quiz 4 - WEEK 7 - 18/09/2025 8:00 am
Quiz 5 - WEEK 11 - 23/10/2025 8:00 am
Completed in-class via Blackboard.
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04
Task description
There will be 5 IN-CLASS ONLINE QUIZZES. The online quizzes will be multiple choice. Students will have 8 minutes to finish each task. All QUIZZES will be available in ASSESSMENT on Blackboard. The 5 online quizzes will be scheduled in class at 8AM on the following dates
Quiz 1 - Week 2: 07/08/25: CHASTEEN, J.C. Chapter 6 Progress (pp. 161-192), Born in Blood and Fire. A Concise History of Latin America. NY: WW. Norton, 2016.
Quiz 2 - Week 4: 21/08/25: CHASTEEN, J.C. Chapter 7 Neocolonialism (pp. 193-231), Born in Blood and Fire. A Concise History of Latin America. NY: WW. Norton, 2016.
Quiz 3 - Week 6: 04/09/25: KING, John. “Civilization and Barbarism. The impact of Europe on Argentina”, History Today, Aug. 1, 1984: 34,8: 16-21
Quiz 4 - Week 8: 18/09/25: CHASTEEN, J.C. Chapter 8 Nationalism (pp, 233-265), Born in Blood and Fire. A Concise History of Latin America. NY: WW. Norton, 2016.
Quiz 5 - Week 12: 23/10/2024: KUNZLE, David, "Chesucristo: Fusions, Myths and Realities", Latin American Perspectives, (2008) 35, pp. 97- 115
Use of AI & MT in this assessment:
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Maximum extension of 7 calendar days allows due to sequence of course content and release of correct answers and results.
ESSAY 1: MODULE 1 MEXICO
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 25% (1,500 words)
- Due date
8/09/2025 5:00 pm
Monday, WEEK 7
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Essay 1: 1,500 words. Total word count includes direct textual quotes.
In planning your essay you need to think about a focus question which will frame your discussion. Please choose one (1) of the following MODULE 1 topics:
- Mexican Muralism and the search for Mexicanidad.
- ‘Mexicanidad’ in Frida Kahlo’s paintings.
Use of AI & MT in this assessment:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
ESSAY 1 MUST BE SUBMITTED ON DUE DATE THROUGH 'TURNITIN'.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
This maximum extension length of 7 calendar days will allow for students' suitable progression with their sequence of learning and preparation for the following assessment submission.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
ESSAY 2: MODULE 2 ARGENTINA (IN-SEMESTER EXAM)
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Examination
- Weight
- 25% 750 - 850 words
- Due date
9/10/2025
WEEK 10
In class essay.
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Essay 2: In-class handwritten assessment (WEEK 10).
Duration: 90 minutes, starting at 8am.
Expected word limit: 750 to 850 words
Total word count includes direct textual quotes.
In planning your essay you need to think about a focus question which will frame your discussion. Please choose one (1) of the following MODULE 2 topics:
- Discuss the significance of "civilization and barbarism" in shaping Argentina in the 20th century.
- "That Woman": Discuss the myths and narratives of Eva Perón.
- Argentina: football and nationalism. Discuss
Use of AI & MT in this assessment:
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Essay plan (handwritten or typed) and bibliography (with no more than 5 sources) no more than 160 words on an A4 single sided paper. Pens or pencils to write. No electronic devices permitted. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Paper-based, in class submission at the end of allocated time.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
ESSAY 3: MODULE 3 ERNESTO "CHE GUEVARA"
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 25% (1,500 words)
- Due date
31/10/2025 5:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 13
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Essay 3: 1,500 words. Total word count includes direct textual quotes.
In planning your essay you need to think about a focus question which will frame your discussion. Please choose one (1) of the following MODULE 3 topics:
- Ernesto Che Guevara: revolutionary or consumer icon.
- Che Guevara's "New Man": utopian or dystopian. Discuss.
Use of AI & MT in this assessment:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
ESSAY 3 MUST BE SUBMITTED ON DUE DATE THROUGH 'TURNITIN'.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 calendar days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates only minimal gasp of basic ideas, concepts and facts. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates mainly inadequate grasp of basic ideas, concepts and facts. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates inadequate grasp of basic ideas, concepts and facts. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate grasp of basic ideas, concepts and facts. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates satisfactory grasp of basic ideas, concepts and facts. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates a good grasp of basic ideas, concepts and facts. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates excellent grasp of basic ideas, concepts and facts. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
The Central Library holds in its collection an extensive collection of books, scholarly journals and audiovisual sources that are at students' disposal for consultation on the topic of Latin America and individual countries. In addition, the WWW contains an enormous number of resources for consultation on Latin America and its countries. As an initial port of call the Latin American Network Information Centre (LANIC) at the University of Texas is recommended: http://lanic.utexas.edu/
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Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Workshop |
Presentation: Imagining "Latin America" CONSTRUCTING & INVENTING LATIN AMERICA: Walter Mignolo, “Preface: Uncoupling the Name and the Reference”, pages x-xx, The Idea of Latin America. Oxford: Blackwell, 2005. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Workshop |
MODULE 1 - MEXICO The Mexican Revolution 1910 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Workshop |
MODULE 1 - MEXICO Mexican Muralism: searching for Mexicanidad Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Workshop |
MODULE 1 - MEXICO Inventing Mexico. Mexican Muralism: Diego Rivera & Jose Clemente Orozco Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Workshop |
MODULE 1 - MEXICO Inventing Mexico. The private and the public: Frida Kahlo Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Workshop |
MODULE 2 - ARGENTINA Inventing Argentina Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Workshop |
MODULE 2 - ARGENTINA Juan D. Peron & Peronism (Populism). Evita Peron:"That Woman": Saint or Sinner Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Workshop |
MODULE 2 - ARGENTINA FOOTBALL: culture, politics, nationalism. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
General contact hours |
MODULE 3 - ERNESTO 'CHE 'GUEVARA 'Che' Guevara: From Rebel to Revolutionary Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Workshop |
IN CLASS ASSESSMENT: ESSAY 2 Identity verified in-class assessment. Essay 2 on Module 2 Argentina Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Workshop |
MODULE 3 - ERNESTO 'CHE 'GUEVARA 'Che' Guevara: "New man", martyr & 'Chesucristo' Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Workshop |
MODULE 3 - ERNESTO 'CHE 'GUEVARA 'Che' Guevara: From icon to consumer brand (Ersatz & Kitsch) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Workshop |
ESSAY 3 - Q&A Essay planning and discussion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Additional learning activity information
Bring your ideas, thoughts, questions, drafts, doubts, positioning, notes so that you can engage meaningfully with the essay planning and discussion.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.