HIS 572SEM - Latin American Studies

This course explores the history of state-sponsored violence, in the Americas paying particular attention to questions of violence, memory, repression and human rights in these different contexts. This class begins with three major monographs that study violence not only as a subject but also as a prism and method of analysis. We build on this foundation throughout the semester, turning to state violence, terror, and human rights in 20th century Latin America, focusing especially closely on Chile, Argentina and Guatemala in the Cold War, and ending with a look at the role of the United States in the history of state and everyday forms of violence and resistance. Short empirical essays contextualize each national story, and connect empirical research to larger theoretical debates and arguments. Throughout the semester, we will complement ¿traditional¿ academic readings with testimonial literature, film, and other forms of critical examination.

Credits: 3