Week 1: Where is Latin America?

Latin America

The thing about the object that we are studying, the object that gives this course its name and its purpose, is that it is by no means obvious what or where it is. Latin America is hardly a natural or God-given entity. Indeed, in some ways it is not really an entity or object at all. It might be better to say that Latin America is an idea, and that what we will be studying is as much the idea of Latin America as the thing itself, especially if (as we will see) this idea doesn’t correspond all that well to any thing or object that we can easily pin down. So even a simple question such as “Where is Latin America?” turns out to be a puzzle.

1. Where is Latin America?

The thing about the object that we are studying, the object that gives this course its name and its purpose, is that it is by no means obvious what or where it is.

There is also a podcast for this week, as well as two introductory videos.

Note that each chapter of the textbook comes with online resources on the publisher's website. Simply click on the relevant tab for this week's reading.

BTS: Welcome and Introduction

A sneak peak behind the scenes of LAST100, welcoming and introducing you to the course…

Introduction to Latin America

Alec Dawson (History and International Studies, SFU) offers an introduction to Latin America. Brought you with the help of Chris Farley, Speedy Gonzales, Princess Cruises, Hugo Chávez, Calle 13, and the music of the Andean Pan Flute.

Introduction to Latin America

Latin America

Alec Dawson (Professor, History and International Studies, Simon Fraser University), author of Latin America Since Independence: A History with Primary Sources, considers what we mean when we talk about “Latin America,” and what it might mean to study this region.

This podcast is designed to complement the introduction to his textbook.

More Resources For Week One >>