Although Latin America once was a focal point for student activism, decline of activism is now obvious. Macropolitical causes include the legacy of authoritarian rule, redemocratization, and decline of the left. Unprecedented growth, privatization, intellectual change, and research trends have changed the conditions for activism in higher…

This one semester course syllabus entitled, "The Integration of Mexico and the United States: Societies in Transition," is interdisciplinary and taught by the Departments of Geography, Management, Foreign Language/Spanish, and Sociology/Archaeology at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse Institute for Latin American Studies. The course…

An introductory course on Latin America is probably the only course most college students will take on that region. It provides the best opportunity for influencing the educated public about the area. There is an urgent need to increase understanding of Latin America because so much of the American public, including public officials, are so…

Presents three documents related to the Columbus Quincentenary and indigenous populations. Includes the Declaration of Quito (Ecuador) of July 21, 1990; the final text of the Declaration of Xelaju (Guatemala); and the document "After the 500 Years: Indigenous and Peoples' Unity Proposals for Political Action." (CFR)

Contends that the Columbian Quincentenary, like similar bicentennials and other commemorations, was promoted and sponsored by governments. Discusses the efforts of various public and private Spanish agencies that organized Quincentenary activities. Contends that many Native American groups were left out of the activities. (CFR)

One of a series, this booklet on world issues explains why Brazil has become important for the United States. Brazil's rise from a sleeping giant to continental leader is investigated. Brazil's impressive economic growth from the mid-1960s through the 1970s is explored. An analysis of Brazil's economic crisis of the 1980s is also explained.…

A history teacher and a Spanish teacher describe the setbacks and successes of an interdisciplinary team-teaching experience in the history and literature of Central America at St. Norbert College (Wisconsin). The course, evaluation by both students and an experienced team teacher, and development of a new syllabus are discussed. (MSE)

Discusses the use of novels in a Latin American history course. Provides a theoretical basis for the course. Outlines course format, class assignments, and reading lists. Points out the value of the novel to students in understanding the history of Latin America. (RW)

Fluctuations in interest and enrollment in the study of Latin in the United States have led many to believe that the language was in permanent decline. However, in the last decade the public has become more aware of the need for language instruction, and high school Latin enrollments have risen dramatically since 1976. There is a shortage of…

In the year 2000, Brazil celebrated the 500th anniversary of its discovery by the Portuguese navigator, Pedro Alvares Cabral, and subsequent settlement by the Portuguese and African, Western, and Asian immigrants. The seminar commemorating these events was designed for U.S. secondary and post-secondary teachers and curriculum specialists of the…

The Major Project for Education for Latin America and the Caribbean has given indigenous populations priority attention and has sponsored workshops and seminars to address the educational needs of these peoples. Traditionally, the language and culture of indigenous peoples have been viewed as obstacles rather than valuable resources for education.…

Addresses the need to present a multiculturalist approach in elementary and secondary school general music classes. Suggests connections between particular music teaching methods and ethnic musical traditions. Includes lesson plans concerning the teaching of Native American, African-American, Filipino, and Latin American music. (SG)

This serial issue features 6 members of the Indiana University System faculty who have focused their research on Latin America, past and present. The first article, "A Literature of Their Own," highlights Darlene Sadlier's research on Brazilian women's fiction and poetry that has led to an interest in the interplay of Brazilian and…

Addresses the question of why Mesoamerican religions and related cultures disappeared after the conquest. Argues that certain principles of social organization and behavior have survived to today. Discusses four principles among those that have always been of fundamental importance to Mesoamerican peoples: (1) cardinality; (2) duality; (3)…

Intended for college students and teachers of English literature, this paper examines the lives and works of three great medieval Anglo-Saxon priestly scholars whose Latin writings have preserved the Anglo-Saxon roots of the English language. The paper first describes the works of Aldhelm, born in 650 A.D., whose poetry was not in the Latin…