Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
This course is an introduction to the several factors that shape the diverse cultures of Latin America, including the Indigenous peoples of the continent, the impact of European conquistadors and colonizers, the ideals of independence, and the contemporary continental order under the strong influence of the US. The course is organised around three modules: The Indigenous Pre-Hispanic World and Indigenous contemporary struggles, Hispanic Heritage, and Latin America in the 20th Century. Students should expect to get an overview of Latin American Spanish speaking cultures throughout history, to gain a sound understanding of the ways in which Latin American peoples have represented themselves under different external influences, and to acquire a conceptual foundation for further study in the area of Latin American Studies.
This course is an introduction to the several factors that shape the diverse cultures of Latin America, including the native peoples of the continent, the impact of European conquistadors and colonizers, the ideals of independence, and the contemporary continental order under the strong influence of the US. The course is organized around three modules:
- Module 1 – The Indigenous Pre-Columbian world and Indigenous peoples today
- Module 2 ﾠ– Spain and Spanish America
- Module 3 – Latin America: the 20th Century
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
#4 Arts courses or Permission of Course Coordinator
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
LTCS1007
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
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
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the interconnected issues that have shaped contemporary Latin America. The learning experiences in this course will offer you opportunities to expand your worldview and critically develop your intercultural perspectives and knowledges which are highly sought-after transferable skills in contemporary society.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify and appreciate the different aspects that compose the culture, history and society of Latin America and its connection to other cultures.
LO2.
Reach an understanding of the ways in which Latin American peoples have represented themselves under different external influences.
LO3.
Provide a conceptual foundation for further study in the area of Latin American Studies.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Reading Comprehension Task
|
25% (5 x 5% per task) |
WEEK 2 - 6/03/2025 WEEK 7 - 10/04/2025 WEEK 9 - 1/05/2025 WEEK 11 - 15/05/2025 WEEK 13 - 29/05/2025
Time limited online quizzes to be completed in-person during class time. Quizzes will be available via Blackboard (Assessment tab) on the scheduled dates only, between 2:05pm and 2:20pm. |
| Essay/ Critique, Examination, Reflection |
Module 1 - The Indigenous Pre-Columbian world and Indigenous peoples today
|
25% |
3/04/2025
|
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection |
Module 2 - Spain and Spanish America
|
25% |
23/05/2025 5:00 pm
Word limit: 1,500 words. |
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection |
Module 3 - Latin America 20th Century
|
25% |
16/06/2025 5:00 pm
Word limit: 1,500 words |
Assessment details
Reading Comprehension Task
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 25% (5 x 5% per task)
- Due date
WEEK 2 - 6/03/2025
WEEK 7 - 10/04/2025
WEEK 9 - 1/05/2025
WEEK 11 - 15/05/2025
WEEK 13 - 29/05/2025
Time limited online quizzes to be completed in-person during class time. Quizzes will be available via Blackboard (Assessment tab) on the scheduled dates only, between 2:05pm and 2:20pm.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
There will be 5 Reading Comprehension Tasks. The rationale for this assessment exercise is to ensure that students undertake a full and comprehensive reading of prescribed texts so that they can engage and participate effectively and meaningfully in in-class discussion. The five (5) tasks will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions on the prescribed readings. Questions will have a total of 1 or 2 points (up to 10). All tests will have a duration of 10-20 mins (depending on the number of multiple choice/short answer questions).
The tasks will be held on the following weeks and dates:
In class online task 1 - Week 2: 6 March. Chapter 2: Before Columbus by P. Warne, Return of the Indian (1994), Module 1 (PDF provided on Bb)
In class online task 2 - Week 7: 10 April. Chapter 2: Encounter, by J.H. Chasteen, Born in Blood and Fire (2016), Module 2 (textbook chapter, not provided on Bb)
In class online task 3 - Week 9: 1 May. Chapter 4: Independence, by J.H. Chasteen, Born in Blood and Fire (2016), Module 2 (textbook chapter, not provided on Bb)
In class online task 4 - Week 11: 15 May. Chapter 9: Revolution, by J.H. Chasteen, Born in Blood and Fire (2016), Module 3 (textbook chapter, not provided on Bb)
In class online task 5 - Week 13: 29 May. Introduction by J. Gonzalez, Harvest of Empire (2011), Module 3 (PDF provided on Bb)
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
These online tasks will be accessed and submitted via Blackboard (Assessment Tab), in-person, during class. All tests will have a duration of 10-20 mins (depending on the number of multiple choice/short answer questions). Please bring your laptop to class to complete this assessment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
If the deferral request is successful, you will have to complete your assessment in your lecturer's office, outside of class hours.
Module 1 - The Indigenous Pre-Columbian world and Indigenous peoples today
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Examination, Reflection
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
3/04/2025
- Timed essay, handwritten during class.
- 90-minutes duration.
- Expected word count: 650 - 800 words.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Choose one of the topics below, refine and discuss in your essay:
- Maya: Your essay may centre on one or more of these aspects: art, writing, Popol Wuj, women, rulers, social organisation, philosophy
- Aztec: Your essay may centre on one or more of these aspects: art, historical accounts, social organisation, philosophy
- Inca or other Andean cultures: Your essay may centre on one or more of these aspects: architecture, art, social organisation, historical accounts, philosophy
- Indigenous peoples today: Your essay may centre on one or more of these aspects: contemporary struggle; philosophy, worldview, case study
These are general topics from which you should develop a focus question based on the topic and what has been mentioned/discussed in class. Some topic ideas will be suggested during the lectures. You should include lecture materials/content in your essay. Please indicate in the introduction of your essay why you chose the topic and how it relates to your own positioning (see Assessment Criteria on Blackboard). 650 - 800 words.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
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 | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
This is a paper-based essay, handwritten, completed and submitted in class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
If the deferral request is successful, you will have to complete your assessment in your lecturer's office, outside of class hours.
Module 2 - Spain and Spanish America
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
23/05/2025 5:00 pm
Word limit: 1,500 words.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Choose one of the topics below, refine and discuss in your essay:
1. Discuss the significance of the Reconquista in forging the Spanish Empire in the Americas.
2. The 'New World': Discovery, invasion, encounter or invention? Discuss.
These are general topics from which you should develop a focus question based on the topic and what has been mentioned/discussed in class. Some topic ideas will be suggested during the lectures. You should include lecture materials/content in your essay. Please indicate in the introduction of your essay why you chose the topic and how it relates to your own positioning.
Please submit your essay by 17:00 on (or before) the due date through Turnitin.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackboard Turnitin link (Assessment Tab).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
This timeframe ensures that students experiencing unexpected challenges have sufficient flexibility while maintaining the integrity of the course schedule. Remember that this course is composed of three independent modules. This will also allow assessors to provide timely feedback before subsequent tasks are due, ensuring students remain on track with their learning progression.
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.
Module 3 - Latin America 20th Century
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
16/06/2025 5:00 pm
Word limit: 1,500 words
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Choose one of the topics below, refine and discuss in your essay:
1. What were the achievements and failures of the revolutionary movements in Latin America?
2. What are the achievements and challenges to Latin America's transition to democracy and/or US - Latin America relations in the 20th Century?
3. The border, mestizo consciousness, exiles: political/cultural analysis, Latino Politics, cultural representations of race in the US.
These are general topics from which you should develop a focus question based on the topic and what has been mentioned/discussed in class. Some topic ideas will be suggested during the lectures. You should include lecture materials/content in your essay. Please indicate in the introduction of your essay why you chose the topic and how it relates to your own positioning.
Please submit your essay by 17:00 on (or before) the due date (16 June) through Turnitin.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackboard Turnitin link (Assessment Tab).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Be aware that applying for the maximum extension length will affect the calculation and publication of final results.
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: Student submits no acceptable work of quality. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Student shows very superficial knowledge of material and themes covered in course. Essays submitted demonstrate poor presentation, are unfocused and little if any research in the field of study. Very low writing skills. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Unsatisfactory grasp of material covered in course. Little attempt at analysis in essays, are mainly descriptive; poor use of research sources. Poor writing skills. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfactory grasp of material covered in course. Essays demonstrate an attempt at analysis; writing, presentation and research are satisfactory. Some documentation is presented to support argument and analysis. Satisfactory writing skills. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Good grasp of material studied in course. Essays demonstrate good level of analysis; writing and presentation skills are good. Good focus and argument, supported by informed commentary underpinned by considered research. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Very good grasp of material and topics covered in course. Essays demonstrate well informed analysis, supported by use of varied research sources and thorough coverage of topic. Writing is of very good quality, withﾠ few errors. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Excellent grasp and understanding of material studied in course. High level of analysis and excellent writing skills with minimal errors. Analysis and commentary supported by systematic research of field of study, informing commentary with appropriate evidence. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Use the Harvard (author date) referencing style. The essays for module 2 and 3 must be submitted through Turnitin on Blackboard by 5pm on the due date. Essays can be submitted before the due date.
ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Please use academic sources (books and journals from reliable databases such as ProQuest and Web of Knowledge).
You should include lecture materials/content in your essay. Please indicate in the introduction of your essay why you chose the topic and how it relates to your own positioning.
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Other learning resources can be accessed through Blackboard.
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 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Workshop |
Course presentation and lecture WEEK 1. Course presentation. The idea of Latin America and concepts such as cultural identity, imagined communities, periphery, epistemicide, modernity, decolonial thought. Assessment discussion and tips for essay writing. Introduction to Module 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Module 1 The Indigenous Pre-Columbian world and Indigenous peoples today 1 WEEK 2: Mesoamerica. The Olmecs and Mayas; Popol Wuj. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
Module 1 The Indigenous Pre-Columbian world and Indigenous peoples today 2 WEEK 3: Teotihuacan and the Aztecs; Florentine Codex and 'Cantares Mexicanos.' Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Workshop |
Module 1 The Indigenous Pre-Columbian world and Indigenous peoples today 3 WEEK 4: Andean Pre Inca civilizations and the Incas Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Workshop |
Module 1 The Indigenous Pre-Columbian world and Indigenous peoples today 4 WEEK 5: Indigenous peoples today: The philosophy of Buen Vivir through constitutional preambles, Kawésqar, Mapuche, Zapatistas. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Workshop |
In class assessment Assessment in class about module 1. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Workshop |
Module 2 Spain and Spanish America 1 WEEK 7: The Roots of Spain. Christian, Muslim & Jewish Spain. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
Module 2 Spain and Spanish America 2 WEEK 8: The Spanish Empire. Columbus, Bartolome de las Casas. Discovery or Invasion. The controversy of Valladolid. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Workshop |
Module 2 Spain and Spanish America 3 WEEK 9: Spanish American Independence, Simon Bolivar, Jose de San Martin. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Workshop |
Module 2 Spain and Spanish America 4 WEEK 10: Postcolonial Blues Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
Module 3 Latin America 20th Century 1 WEEK 11: Revolutions. The culture of Independence, 20th Century. Latin American Nationalism and Populism. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Workshop |
Module 3 Latin America 20th Century 2 WEEK 12: Dictatorships, the US and the Cold War in Latin America. The South American Transition(s) to democracy. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Workshop |
Module 3 Latin America 20th Century 3 WEEK 13: US Latino, US-Mexico border, Anzaldua: mestiza consciousness. Reading: Juan Gonzalez, Introduction, Harvest of Empire. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.