Tulane University

Land of Diversity

This course is designed for the high school level, particularly for the 9th and 10th grade social studies classroom. It is at this level that most students in the United States may receive their first introduction to Latin America usually within the context of a World Culture or World Geography course. Utilization of the course in its entirety is the major goal of the authors and this editor. However, keeping in mind the fact that many social studies curricula requirements do not allow the time to dedicate weeks to Latin America, we have created nineteen distinct units which serve as individual lessons. Each can be removed from the larger context of the course and can be utilized in other social studies curriculum such as American History, Civics, World Governments, World Cultures, etc. The course can also be used to complement any standard textbook on Latin American that may already be in use.

The nineteen units consist of one introductory unit on North American perceptions of Latin America, a unit on Latin American geography, five historical units, and the remaining twelve units which present contemporary issues. This publication is labeled a “multi-media” course because all of the units (except Unit #6) are accompanied by at least ten slides. Additional supplemental audio-visual materials are recommended within each unit.

The units are also accompanied by supplemental reading material and/or maps and charts. A comprehensive examination testing students on the main points of each unit of the course is also provided as well as bibliographic citations for each topic. The course also includes a list of selected distributors or producers of audio-visual materials focusing on Latin America. Many provide innovative, high quality materials suitable for the high school level. We also include a list of federally funded centers which specialize in Latin American Studies. You may wish to contact the center nearest you and learn of their various outreach programs. Finally, a large map of the Americas is provided for the classroom bulletin board.

The contributing authors are curriculum designers and teachers, all of whom have successfully implemented their units and activities in the high school classroom setting.