HS 321 - Contemporary Argentine History: Politics and Culture in the Construction of a National Identity

This course will provide an advanced introduction to the political, social, and cultural history of contemporary Argentina. The general questions that will organize our analysis include: Why did Argentina had such a traumatic transition from Spanish colony to independent nation (1810-1880)? What are the characteristics of Argentina’s particular ethnic and demographic make-up? Why did Peronismo have such an impact in Argentina’s modern history? Why did Argentina have more military coups than any other Latin American country in the twentieth century? In order to understand the cultural development of the history of Argentine’s identity this course will analyze the relationship between literature, art and politics in modern Argentina.

Topics will include the emergence of literature at the time of nation-state building in the 19th century, the impact of immigration and the rise of nationalism at the beginning of the 20th century, the changing relationship between literature and the Peronist movement, the impact of the Latin American “literary boom” in Argentina, and the influence of political radicalization and violence on literature in the second half of the 20th century.

NOTE: This course is offered during the regular semester and in the summer. For summer sections, the course schedule is condensed, but the content, learning outcomes, and contact hours are the same.