Module Identifier GG26010  
Module Title THE AMERICAS  
Academic Year 2000/2001  
Co-ordinator Dr Deborah Dixon  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Luke Desforges, Dr Tim Cresswell  
Course delivery Lecture   18 Hours 12 x 2 hours  
  Seminars / Tutorials   6 Hours  
Assessment Exam   2 Hours A seen 2 hour examination - answer two from four questions.   100%  
  Supplementary examination   2 Hours Resit examination in same format.   100%  

Brief description
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the varied social, economic, and cultural landscapes of the Americas. Focusing on several key themes, such as colonization and independence, nation building and modernization, the course will emphasize how and why diverse forms of government have attempted to 'shape' New World social formations, as well as the aims and ideals of select groups who have worked to produce alternate visions of society. In-depth case studies ranging from the making of the American West to the Cuban revolution, and from the civil rights movement to the rise of Aryan patriot groups will be used to draw out these themes. Students will read both theoretical works and empirical studies of particular peoples and places, and will explore how people and place have been represented in maps as well as diverse written texts. Themes:

  1. Colonial Encounters
  2. Independence in the New World and its Legacy
  3. The Making of the American West
  4. The Formation of a US Sphere of Influence
  5. Nation Building and Social Marginalization
  6. Modernization and Development in Central and South America
  7. Socialism and its Variations across the Americas
  8. Race: From Civil Rights to Patriotism
  9. New Social Movements
  10. Conclusions and Revision

Module Aims
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the varied social, economic, and cultural landscapes of the Americas. Focusing on several key themes, such as colonization and independence, nation building and modernization, the course will emphasize how and why diverse forms of government have attempted to 'shape' New World social formations, as well as the aims and ideals of select groups who have worked to produce alternate visions of society. In-depth case studies ranging from the making of the American West to the Cuban revolution, and from the civil rights movement to the rise of Aryan patriot groups will be used to draw out these themes.

Module objectives / Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will have gained an appreciation of:

Students will be able to:

  1. refer to and evaluate a range of interdisiplinary literature on the history of the Americas as well as particular case studies
  2. demonstrate an awareness of the practical role played by Geographers in the development of the Americas, and
  3. further develop their own critical thought, writing and presentation skills.

Reading Lists
Books
** Recommended Text
Cronon, W., Miles, G. and Gitlin, J. (eds). (1992) Under an Open Sky: Rethinking America's Western Past.. Norton
Jackson, J.B.. (1994) A Sense of Place, A Sense of Time.. New Haven and London: Yale University Press.
Kay, C.. (1989) Latin American Theories of Development and Underdevelopment.. London: Routledge.
Nelson Limerick, P.. (1987) The Legacy of Conquest.. Norton.
Radcliffe, S.. (1993) Viva: Women and popular Protest in Latin America.. London: Routledge.