2008-09 Catalog - Saint Mary's College of California

Curriculum History151 Contemporary Latin AmericaA survey of the history of the continent in the 19th and 20th centuries,focusing on the elusive search for democracy, the development ofcapitalism, and the various alternatives proposed by reformist andrevolutionary movements and government over the decades.Offered in alternate years.152 Latin American RevolutionsA comparative study of the history of the major revolutionary movementsand governments of Latin America in the 20th century — Mexico,Cuba, Chile, and Nicaragua — focusing on their origins, the compositionof the participants, the international context of their development, andthe goals, successes, and failures involved.Offered in alternate years.153 Latin America: Race and SocietyThe course traces the African heritage of Latin America, putting specialemphasis on the Caribbean, Brazil, the Pacific coast of Central Americaand Venezuela, and the small countries of Surinam and Guyana. Itexamines the origins of the African population of Latin America, theircontribution to the culture and economy of the region, and the continuingstruggle against racism and discrimination.Offered in alternate years.154 Latin America and the United StatesOver two centuries, relations between Latin America and the UnitedStates have varied from mutual admiration to distrust. Tracing theserelations from the Monroe Doctrine to the present involvement of theUnited States in Central America, the course explores the questions:How has Latin America reacted to the United States’ pursuit of itsnational interests and security in the region? What degree of successhas the United States achieved in its objectives?Offered in alternate years.155 Latin American Environmental HistoryAn introduction to the history and relations between humans and theirenvironment in Latin America from the pre-Columbian era, through thecolonial period and independence, and into the 20th century. Specialemphasis is placed on Mexico, Brazil, and Central America to exploretopics such as agriculture and environment, war and ecology, the historyand fate of the tropical rainforests, industrialization and environmentaldestruction, development and conservation, and sustainable alternativesin the 21st century.Offered in alternate years.160 Problems and Issues in Asian HistoryAnalysis of a selected theme, problem, era, or region not covered bythe regular offerings of the department. Topics are announced prior toregistration each semester.161 Modern JapanThe course begins in 1603 with the establishment of the TokugawaShogunate and ends with present-day Japan. Emphasis is placed onpolitical, economic, cultural, and social history. Special attention is givento the “Japanese character” as it evolved historically. A major theme ofthe course is Japan’s success in modernizing or Westernizing.Offered in alternate years.162 Modern ChinaThe course begins in 1644 with the establishment of the Qing (Manchu)Dynasty and ends with present-day Communist China. Emphasis isplaced on political, economic, cultural, and social history. The mainthemes of the course are China’s struggle to modernize, and reactionand revolution in late 19th- and 20th-century China.Offered in alternate years.170 Problems and Issues in African HistoryAnalysis of a selected theme, problem, era, or region not covered bythe regular offerings of the department. Topics are announced priorto registration each semester.171 African History to 1850A study of human origins in Africa, Black migration, the expansion ofIslam in Africa, the slave trade, and the rise of ancient kingdoms ofGhana, Mali, Zulu. The course searches for and establishes the culturalidentity of Africa before slavery, and the influence of ancient Egyptian,Nubian, and Meroe cultures on subsequent sub-Saharan civilization.Offered in alternate years.172 African History Since 1850A study of the major themes of state building, Islamic revolutions,colonialism, nationalism and pan-Africanism, the role of the military inrecent decades, African decolonization and economic development inthe context of the modern world. The course emphasizes the developmentof African contemporary culture in comparison with that of selectnations and regions of the developed world.Offered in alternate years.197 Special StudyAn independent study or research course in an area not offered bythe department. Permission from the instructor and department chairis required.199 Special Study — HonorsAn independent study or research course for upper-division majorswith at least a B average in history. Permission from the instructor andthe department chair is required.110