Course: Anthropology of Regions: Central and South America

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Course title Anthropology of Regions: Central and South America
Course code KSKA/BSJA
Organizational form of instruction Lecture
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 4
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Ponocná Petra, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
1. Introduction to the anthropology of Central and South America. 2. Geography, ecology and culture. 3. Indigenous peoples and the ethnological perspective of the so-called high cultures (Aztecs, Mayas, Incas). 4. The Age of Discovery and the conquest of the New World. 5. Indigenismo and identity politics. 6. Religion and rituals - the role of syncretism. 7. Gender, sexuality and family. 8. Migration and transnationalism. 9. Urbanization in Latin America - social inequalities and gentrification. 10. Political violence, memory and human rights. 11. Current challenges and problems. 12. Perspectives of Latin America in a globalized world. Course evaluation and summary.

Learning activities and teaching methods
unspecified, Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Dialogic (discussion, interview, brainstorming), Work with text (with textbook, with book)
  • Term paper - 30 hours per semester
  • Contact teaching - 26 hours per semester
  • Preparation for an exam - 20 hours per semester
  • Independent critical reading - 30 hours per semester
  • Home preparation for classes - 15 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to provide students with a basic overview of the cultural, historical, and social development of Central and South America and its role in the contemporary world, and to enable them to critically reflect on regional specificities, understand key anthropological concepts, and analyze global contexts.
After completing the course, students will have an overview of: - the historical development of the region and key moments in the history of Central and South America and their impact on contemporary society, - the cultural diversity of the region, the main ethnic and cultural groups, and processes of identity formation in both historical and contemporary contexts, - social and political challenges, including issues of inequality, Indigenous peoples' rights, and the impact of globalization, - the role of the region in global processes.
Prerequisites
unspecified

Assessment methods and criteria
Written examination, Home assignment evaluation, Student performance assessment

Attendance at the lectures. Final exam test must be passed with at least 60 % of right answers. Students will write a critical essay on one of the topics covered in the course.
Recommended literature
  • FUENTES, C. Pohřbené zrcadlo. Praha: Mladá fronta, 2003.
  • HAGEN, VIKTOR W. VON. Říše Inků. Praha: Orbis, 1963.
  • Hrabálek, Martin. Latinská Amerika a její rozvojové problémy: nesnadná cesta vpřed?. .
  • Chalupa, Jiří. Dějiny Argentiny, Uruguaye, Chile. Praha: Lidové noviny, 1999. ISBN 80-7106-323-1.
  • Kašpar, Oldřich. Dějiny Mexika. Praha: NLN Nakladatelství Lidové noviny, 2009. ISBN 978-80-7106-340-7.
  • Oscar Lewis. Five Families: Mexican Case Studies in the Culture of Poverty. 1975. ISBN 0465097057.
  • Tzvetan Todorov. Dobytí Ameriky: Problém druhého. 1996. ISBN 80-204-0582-8.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester