HIST 121: History of Mexico

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Class Program
History
Distribution
Social Science
Credits 5 Lecture Hours 55
This course will explore the social, cultural and otherwise varied history of Mexico from prehistoric times to the present. Lectures, discussion and readings will provide additional insights into the ethnic, economic and political realities of Mexico in our time.
Quarters Offered
Spring
Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:

  1. Identify the major geographical/political landmarks of Mexico.
  2. Analyze the abiding influence of Mexico’s Indian peoples on Mexican culture.
  3. Argue the merits and consequences of the Spanish colonial experience and the U. S. influence upon modern Mexican society.
  4. Interpret the role of the Mexican Revolution on Mexico’s history and culture.
Course Content Outline
Essential elements will include:
  1. The Olmecs, the Mayans and the Aztecs
    1. Archeological evidence
    2. The earliest written records
  2. The Spanish conquest
    1. Cortes and New Spain
    2. The viceroys and their governments
    3. The Friars, the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Church
    4. Social class development
  3. National Independence
    1. Background of the French Revolution and Invasion of Spain
    2. The leaders: Hidalgo, Morelos, Iturbide
  4. The Republic
    1. Santa Anna and his times
    2. War and peace with the United States
    3. The French invasion and Maximilien
    4. Juarez and La Reforma
    5. Diaz and the Cientificos
  5. The Mexican Revolution
    1. Madero, Villa and Zapata
    2. Institutionalized Revolution, Obregon, Calles and Cardenas
  6. World War II, Chiapas and NAFTA
Department Guidelines

PO4 should be assessed: Students will be able to recognize or articulate personal/interpersonal aspects of, or connections between, diverse cultural, social, or political contexts.

PO5 should be assessed: Students will be able to solve problems by gathering, interpreting, combining and/or applying information from multiple sources.