Guatemala

Guatemala has everything to enchant travellers, but what lies behind the postcards? Learn about its recent past, discuss the challenges it faces and you will discover the country's real side.

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Key course information

Date
04/02/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £11

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HLA03

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

Guatemala’s recent past and present-day politics and economy, with a strong focus on human rights issues, the structures of power that govern the country, insecurity and impunity, and the growing concerns over the future of Guatemala.

What topics will we cover?

Brief historical background.
Guatemala’s civil war and its legacy of human rights violations.
The failure to create a state of law and the consequent involvement of the international community.
Insecurity and impunity.
Who holds power in Guatemala? The hidden structures.
Guatemala’s economy: the legal and illegal sides.
Is Guatemala a failing state?

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Explain why the civil war resulted in a genocide.
Identify key political and economic forces in Guatemala.
Explain why impunity is still the norm in a vast majority of cases and what is being done to challenge it.
Analyse the current crime wave and discuss its consequences on society.
Analyse and discuss the importance of illegal activities.
Discuss contructively whether Guatemala is a failing state.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No specific knowledge needed, although some background on Guatemala would be helpful.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be a combination of lectures, group discussions and presentations. Articles will be distributed and videos shown to prepare group discussions.
The session will be supported by PowerPoint presentations, videos and handouts.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring pen and paper.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The City Lit offers two courses on Latin America during the first two terms as well as a series of one-day courses on other Latin American countries.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.