1 US-Latin American Relations Dr. Blake C. Scott | LACS300-01, Spring 2020 T/W: 2:00pm-3:00pm, Centro de Estudios Martianos Office Hours: M 3:00-5:00pm | Cuban Cellphone: TBA Email: scottbc@cofc.edu | Website: https://cofc.academia.edu/BlakeScott Course Description This course explores U.S-Latin American relations, from the unique perspective of living and studying in Havana, Cuba. Students will analyze the development of inter-American relations over time – from the age of revolutions in the late eighteenth century through the Cold War and rebellions of the 20th century to the present. Throughout the semester, we will guided by the following questions: what interests and objectives have shaped the history of U.S. policies and actions toward Latin America? Likewise, what interests and objectives have influenced Latin American approaches to dealing with the United States? Students will learn about the historical causes and consequences of U.S.-Latin American relations, while also considering current political, cultural, economic, and environmental issues. The course provides historical background on matters of crucial international importance and prepares students for further study of both Latin America and U.S. international relations. Course Learning Objectives 1. Understand the historical roots of U.S-Latin American relations, and compare this history to broader trends in international relations. 2. Identify theoretical and methodological tools associated with a holistic social science. 3. Develop critical analytical and writing skills through a close read of scholarly texts. 4. Formulate a research project that contributes to our understanding of how the past shapes present day issues in U.S.-Latin American relations. Student Learning Outcomes, Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program: 1. Students in Latin American and Caribbean studies will apply an integrative multidisciplinary approach to an analysis of current issues in Latin America and/or the Caribbean. This learning outcome will be assessed in the Review Essay due March 25. 2. Students in LACS 300 will complete a final research paper that is analytical, comparative, and evaluative and produces original insights into the theme of the course. This learning outcome will be assessed in the Final Paper due May 1. Required Reading Smith, Peter H. Talons of the Eagle: Latin America, the United States, and the World (Fourth Edition), New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.