History of Latin Aamerica 2100-MON-HIAL-OG

The course aims to present the specificity of the Latin American region through the lens of its history. This topic is extremely broad, multi-layered, and multifaceted, so a comprehensive treatment of it is inherently impossible. Rather, the course is intended to prepare students for further independent work, which—if possible and desired—will allow for deeper exploration of this topic.

The course is divided into two parts. The first will provide a general overview of Latin American history, serving as an introduction to the topic. The second will examine case studies from marginal areas, which will allow for a better grasp of Latin American specificity.

1. Organizational Activities
* Discussion of course-related topics.
* Reflection on why we need history?
* The specificity of the Latin American region.

2. Colonial History of Latin America
* Discovery or Covering of America?
* Colonization and its Limitations
* Formation of Colonial Societies

3. The Rise of Independent States
* The War of Independence
* Latin American Conflicts
* Tensions and Cooperation

4. Contemporary Latin America
* History of the Region in the 20th Century
* Relations with the United States
* Problems and Challenges of Latin American Countries

5. History of Potosi

6. History of the Amazon

7. History of the Jesuit Missions

8. History of the Caribbean

9. History of Patagonia

10. Coursework

Student Activity/ Hourly Load
Contact Hours: Participation in in-class seminars – load: 20 hours
Contact Hours: Participation in exam sessions and consultations (during teaching hours) – load: 5 hours
Independent Work: Literature Study and Preparation for Current Classes – load: 20 hours
Independent Work: Teamwork, Preparing a Multimedia Presentation – Workload: 15 hours
Independent study and preparation for the test exam - workload: 15 hours
TOTAL STUDENT WORKLOAD (hours): 75 hours

Course coordinators

Marcin Gawrycki

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

A student entering the course should have basic knowledge of history at the secondary school level, demonstrate the ability to critically read journalistic and scientific texts and be able to synthesize them.

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE
Has basic knowledge of the history of the Americas.
Has knowledge of the period of the American colonies' struggle for independence, the functioning of independent states, and the main problems facing the countries of the Americas.
SKILLS
Analyzes the history of the Americas in the broader context of world history, identifying factors shaping endemic historical processes and external influences on this region of the world.
Identifies the differences between the Iberian and Anglo-Saxon colonization and civilization projects.
Can competently prepare scholarly material on the key issues of selected American countries.
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
Is prepared to perform professional tasks requiring knowledge of the modern history of the Americas.
Is prepared to continue their education at a post-graduate level.
Can prepare a competent social project relating to the American continent, while maintaining sensitivity to cultural differences.

Assessment criteria

Formal requirements for passing (requirements and achievements necessary to pass the course)
• In accordance with the study regulations, classes are mandatory. Absences can be excused by presenting a medical certificate.
• Obtaining a minimum of 51/100 points, including passing the written final exam with a minimum score of 51% (26 points).
• Mandatory preparation and presentation of a group project.

Method of verifying the subject learning outcomes;

1. Final Exam (Written final test – closed and semi-open questions)
- Assigned weight and point value: 50% of the final grade (Maximum 50 points)
2. Group Project (max. 2 people) (Multimedia presentation and public speaking)
- Assigned weight and point value: 30% of the final grade (Maximum 30 points)
3. Assessment of Ongoing Activity (Participation in discussions, workshop tasks based on the readings, alternatively a discussion during the teaching office hours or preparation of additional written assignments)
- Assigned weight and point value: 20% of the final grade (Maximum 20 points)
TOTAL: All of the above outcomes: 100% / Maximum 100 points

Grading Scale:
• 0 – 50 points: Grade 2.0 (unsatisfactory) – failure to achieve the minimum learning outcomes for the course. • 51–58 points: Score 3.0 (sufficient) – minimal, reproducible fulfillment of the criteria. • 59–65 points: Score 3.5 (sufficient plus) – correct definition of most terms. • 66–74 points: Score 4.0 (good) – independent analysis of political structures and processes. • 75–86 points: Score 4.5 (good plus) – high activity, fluent use of literature. • 87–100 points: Score 5.0 (very good) – outstanding knowledge and originality of the project.

8. Teaching Methods
The following teaching methods are used during the course, which implement the assigned learning outcomes. Method
1. Conversational lecture
2. Moderated discussion
3. Project method (two-person teams)
4. Case study analysis

Bibliography

M.F. Gawrycki, Uwikłane obrazy. Hollywoodzki film a stosunki międzynarodowe, Warszawa 2011.

E.S. Urbański, Hispanoameryka i jej cywilizacje. Hispanoamerykanie i Angloamerykanie, Warszawa 1981.

L. Zea, Filozofia dziejów Ameryki, Warszawa 1999.

H. Miller, A. P. Nasatir, Dzieje Ameryki Łacińskiej, Warszawa 1969.

T. Łepkowski, (red.), Dzieje Ameryki Łacińskiej, Warszawa 1977.

A. Bartnicki, D.T. Critchlow, Historia Stanów Zjednoczonych Ameryki, Warszawa 1995.

Marshall C. Eakin, Historia Ameryki Łacińskiej. Zderzenie kultur, Kraków 2009.

M.F. Gawrycki, Historia Amazonii, t. 1 i 2, Warszawa 2024.
M.F. Gawrycki, Historia Potosi, Warszawa 2025.
M.F. Gawrycki, Historia Patagonii, Warszawa 2023.
M.F. Gawrycki, Historia Paragwaju, Warszawa 2017.
M.F. Gawrycki, Stosunki międzynarodowe na Karaibach. Perspektywa postkolonialna, Warszawa 2013.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes: