This course explores the history of the production, trafficking, and distribution of drugs in Latin America from the colonial era to the present, with a particular emphasis on developments occurring during the twentieth century. By examining the long-term trends of the internal and external drug trades (both licit and illicit), students will grapple with the social, political, economic, ethnic, and racial issues that these trades have had on various groups, societies, and countries throughout Latin America. Going further, the course will also allow students to critically examine the external demand-side of the drug trade, with particular emphasis on the United States and its complicated historical role in stimulating demand for illicit drugs while simultaneously declaring "war" on them. Students will be given the opportunity to evaluate the effects that the drug trade have had on Latin American societies, as well as their own. The course will also examine the major shifts in the world of drug trafficking in recent years. Prerequisite: HIS-150 or HIS-160. (Fulfills a Group B: World History Elective or Group C: History Elective.)
HIS-339: Latin America and the Drug Trade
Program