Race and Ethnicity in Latin America

(JINS 338)

How has the evolution of ethnic identities influenced Latin American history? We will begin this course with a theoretical discussion of race and ethnicity, and then proceed to an evaluation of their creation in a Latin American context. This class will stress the rich ethnic diversity in Latin America (Indian, European, African, Asian, etc.), and the emergence of new forms of ethnic identity in Latin America (such as the mestizo and mulatto peoples). What functions have these various identities played in Latin American societies, and how have they influenced cultural, economic, and political developments in the region? Finally, we will critique the emergence of new forms of ethnic consciousness and ethnic rights movements.