HIST 364 - Latino Identities: Ethnic Diversity in Latin American and U.S. History

This course examines the formation of Latino identities in the western hemisphere from European contact and conquest to today’s patterns of economic and cultural globalization. Students will focus on tensions within identity formation in Latin American history linked to the colonial experience and subsequent projects of nationalism, the formation of Latino identity in the United States, the history of Latinos in West Michigan, and understanding their own identity formation as “Americans” against the backdrop of learning about Latino identities. The ability to value others’ culture necessarily requires a firm understanding of one’s own identity, and the overall goal of the course is to prepare students for roles in a global society by strengthening a sense of their own identity and developing an ability to appreciate the identities of others.

Credits: 4
Terms Offered: As Needed