During the past decade, interest in chocolate and its history has increased significantly. Following on this trend, a vast number of books dealing with chocolate have appeared in different publishing venues, both academic and nonacademic. Similarly, some instructors have included units that study the commodity or, in some rare instances, have…

In this article, the author points out that in this increasingly visual world, outstanding films can engage classes and lift the curtain on the cultures and modern history of Latin America. He recommends some of the most gripping and perceptive films on this topic, and offers advice on how teachers can provide the background to these dramas and…

Presents a number of Columbus Day activities which concern both Columbus and the other early explorers of North and South America. (SJL)

Points out that new interest in Latin American history can be generated by focusing on urban growth. Describes the course content, themes, and issues used in the Latin American urban history course taught at the University of Pittsburgh. Concludes with a seven-page list of instructional resources. (JDH)

This unit of study seeks to introduce students to the history of Africans in the Mexican state of Veracruz and to provide the classroom teacher with resources and information about Veracruz. Although the unit is designed for students with an advanced level of Spanish, the readings are in English so this activity could be part of an…

This course outline and bibliography on Peru during the middle years of the nineteenth century includes general works in English and Spanish. Entries are organized chronologically and focus on a variety of topics, including efforts to modernize society, the large unassimilated Indian population, geographic isolation, economic problems, militarism,…

Demonstrates how illustrations can stimulate learning and critical thinking, specifically in studying Latin American cultures. Seven illustrations with questions for student analysis are included. (KC)

The second in a three-part geographical education series, this article focuses on human-environmental relations in the geographical area including Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. The article examines how the historical and cultural roots of the people of Middle America have influenced their interaction with and modification of…

Presents background information on Salvadoran history, politics, and religion. Provides a model lesson plan designed to help high school students to understand events leading to the current conflict in El Salvador and the rest of Central America. (Author/GC)

This is the third of a three-part series of articles examining the five geographical themes suggested in "Guidelines for Geographic Education: Elementary and Secondary Schools." Using Middle America (Mexico, Central American and the Caribbean) as a case study, this article addresses the themes of region and movement to show how the…

Provides a brief account of early French contacts with various north and south American natives. Includes a reproduction of an early woodcut depicting Brazilian natives and a statement by Father Charles Lalement which characterizes the American Indians as filthy, violent savages. (JDH)

A broad, hemispheric approach to American history, called the Bolton thesis or a history of the Americas, can contribute something unique to a college curriculum formerly dependent on the more traditional surveys. It also poses some extraordinary challenges. Guidelines for teaching such a course are presented. (RM)

Presents a bibliographic review essay on the topic of colonial Peru organized according to the following topics: Pre-Columbian Peru, 5500 B.C.- 1532; the conquest of Peru, 1532-1572; Peru under the Hapsburgs, 1516-1700; Bourbon Peru, 1700-1808; and the coming of independence, 1808-1821. The essay is based on a bibliography composed largely of…

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)

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…