OVERVIEW

The History of Latin America course aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the social and cultural history of Latin American regions, from the Iberian invasions to the end of the twentieth century. The course is structured thematically and chronologically, beginning with the formation of pre-Columbian states and concluding with the authoritarian regimes of the twentieth century. The 6 ECTS programme focuses on general history, while the 9 ECTS programme includes a monographic section dedicated to the role of the press, intellectuals, and artists in resisting the authoritarian regimes of the Southern Cone.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowing the basic features of the history of Central and South America, from Spanish and Portuguese invasions to the end of the 20th century; studying the development of Latin-American societies in ethnic, social, cultural and territorial perspectives. Studying the basic features of the social and cultural history of Latin-American countries, from the Spanish and Portuguese invasions to the authoritarian regimes of the 20th century, through a thematic-chronological approach.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the key stages in the history of Latin America, particularly the formation of pre-Columbian societies and the most significant historical periods up to the twentieth century.

2. Understand the social, cultural, and economic dynamics that have shaped Latin American history, with special attention to ethnic, social, and territorial differences.

3. Analyse the interactions between Latin American societies and European imperial powers, as well as the processes of colonisation and decolonisation.

4. Examine the role of local resistances to authoritarian regimes, linking social movements to political and cultural transformations across the continent.

5. Compare Latin American history with that of other world regions, particularly the connections with Europe, the Near East, and the Far East, in a comparative perspective.

6. Develop a specialist vocabulary in Latin American historiography, applying it to the analysis of historical texts and scholarly articles.

7. Demonstrate autonomy in work, argumentative skills, and negotiation and coordination abilities through group work and class presentations.

8. Enhance social interaction abilities with a collaborative attitude, through constructive communication and open, critical dialogue.

PREREQUISITES

No specific prerequisites are required. However, a basic understanding of modern and contemporary history may be helpful for a better approach to the course content.

TEACHING METHODS

The course alternates between lectures, which will provide the theoretical framework, and student presentations, encouraging interaction and active participation.

• Lectures: The content will be presented and discussed during weekly lessons.

• Student Presentations: Each student will be invited to present a specific topic related to the syllabus, fostering discussion and collective learning.

Delivery Mode:

• In-person: Lessons will be held in the classroom.

• Remote: Students who explicitly request it can attend lessons via streaming through the Teams platform. Students attending remotely will be considered non-attending and will need to follow a specific programme for non-attending students.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Programme for students opting for the 6 CFU course:

Programme for students using the 6 ECTS course

The 6 ECTS programme offers an overview of the social and cultural history of Latin American regions, focusing on the formation of pre-Columbian states and the period up to the authoritarian regimes of the twentieth century. This thematic and chronological path explores the political, social, and cultural dynamics that shaped Latin American societies over the centuries.

Programme for students using the 9 ECTS course

The 9 ECTS programme includes all aspects of the 6 ECTS course, with the addition of a monographic section on the role of the press, intellectuals, and artists in resisting the authoritarian regimes of the Southern Cone of Latin America. This in-depth exploration will allow students to study how these groups contributed to resistance against the dictatorships and to the construction of a critical historical memory.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography for students using the 6 CFU course:

FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS:

1. Loris Zanatta, "Storia dell'America Latina contemporanea," Laterza, Bari, 2010.

FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:

1. Marcello Carmagnani and Chiara Vangelista, "I nodi storici delle aree latino-americane," Otto Editore, Turin, 2001 (part two, pages 129-263).
2. Loris Zanatta, "Storia dell'America Latina contemporanea," Laterza, Bari, 2010.

Bibliography for students using the 9 CFU course:

FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS:

1. Loris Zanatta, "Storia dell'America Latina contemporanea," Laterza, Bari, 2010. 

2. Alberto del Castillo Troncoso, Le donne di X’oyep. Fotografia, storia, memorie, edizione italiana a cura di Maria Matilde Benzoni, Milano, Milano University Press, 2023, 164 pp. https://libri.unimi.it/index.php/texturas/catalog/view/55/430/1274 

    

FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:

1. Loris Zanatta, "Storia dell'America Latina contemporanea," Laterza, Bari, 2010.
2. Marcello Carmagnani and Chiara Vangelista, "I nodi storici delle aree latino-americane," Otto Editore, Turin, 2001 (part two, pages 129-263).
3. Fulvia Zega, "Il mondo sotto la svastica. Immigrazione e politica in Argentina e Brasile," Aracne, Rome, 2018.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

 September 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For attending students: Oral examination and class presentation. It is also possible to take a written mid-term exam.

For non-attending students: Oral examination only.

Duration of oral exam: Approximately 30 minutes.

Assessment Criteria:

• Knowledge: Maximum 15/30

• Ability to analyse and contextualise historically: Maximum 12/30

• Communication skills: Maximum 3/30

The assessment method is based on the student's ability to contextualize the exam topics within their historical framework, both at a general level (Latin America) and at a local level (individual countries or specific areas). It is important to demonstrate a command of the disciplinary terminology, the ability to make interdisciplinary connections among the topics covered, while taking into account each student's curriculum, which will be clarified at the beginning of the examination. However, individual grades obtained in specific exams will not be discussed.

The examination takes the form of a conversation, during which the student's specific knowledge and their awareness of the characteristics of the studied texts (general history and monographs) will be assessed. Furthermore, the student's ability to respond to potential criticisms or requests for clarification during their exposition will also be evaluated.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students must demonstrate their ability to contextualise the topics discussed within a historical framework, using appropriate disciplinary terminology and showing their capacity to make interdisciplinary connections. The assessment will focus on the clarity and depth of the presentation, as well as the ability to respond to questions and critical observations.