Central America: Struggles for Justice, Democracy and Development

3 credits · Undergraduate

This course examines struggles over justice, democracy and development in the geographic context of Central America (including connections with Mexico and the Caribbean). The course examines the historical roots of contemporary social, political and environmental challenges – including drug wars, migration, Indigenous sovereignty, gender identities and power relations, climate change, and natural resource extraction. The course examines both the perpetuation of injustice in Central America and popular struggles for justice, democracy and development – highlighting the roles of small-scale farmers, Indigenous peoples, women and youth. We’ll read leading writers on and from Central America, watch Central American films, meet Central American community leaders and activists (on-line and in-person), and explore contemporary media coverage from the region. CALENDAR NOTES: CROSSLISTED: SPAN 3410 FORMATS: Lecture