Struggles for Racial and Gender Justice in Latin America
This course explores key contemporary movements for racial and gender justice in Latin America, including the feminist and women's movement, Indigenous peoples' land defense, and the anti-racist struggles of Afro-descendant communities.
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 03 Jun 2025End Date: 03 Jun 2025Tue (Daytime): 12:45 - 14:45In PersonFull fee £10.00 Senior fee £8.00 Concession £7.00
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What is the course about?
This session provides an overview of contemporary movements for racial and gender justice in Latin America. We will explore the struggles and achievements of the feminist movement, what some of the indigenous communities have done to defend territory, and how Afro-descendant groups combat racism. The course highlights the interconnectedness of these movements and their impact on Latin American societies.
What will we cover?
The course will cover the women's movement in the countries where it has been most prominent, such as Argentina and Chile; the indigenous struggles for the defence of land in Mexico and some of their achievements; and some initiatives by Afro-descendants to combat racism and exclusion in the countries with the largest Afro-descendant populations in the region, such as Colombia and Brazil.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Participants will gain a better understanding of the challenges faced and the progress made in the struggle for equality and justice in Latin America. They will be familiar with some of the key movements in the region led by Black, Indigenous people, and women.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught through a combination of dynamic methods and content explanation. It will promote in-class debates and encourage students participations to connect with their prior knowledge. Various resources such as videos, texts and photographs will be used to make the sessions engaging. No out-of-class work will be required.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking .
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
- HPC272 Silent segregation in the city: race and class in Colombia and Mexico
- HPC271 Get ready for the revolution! Key Latin American political thinkers
- HPC270 Protesting to the Beat: music and revolution in Latin America
- HMI55 Never forgive, Never Forget: the Chilean and Argentinean Dictatorships and its legacies
Pilar Villanueva-Martinez is a Ph.D. Candidate in Latin American Cultural Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. With over eight years of experience in education, Pilar has become a specialist in teaching courses on Latin American cultures, history, social movements, music, and literature. In addition, she has taught Spanish courses catering to beginners, intermediates, and advanced learners at esteemed institutions like Bucknell University and the University of Texas at Austin. Moreover, she has extended her expertise to various community-engaged organizations, including the Biblioteca del Bicentenario and Casa Cultural el Chontaduro in Colombia. She is also the founder and editor of the Latin American magazine Zánganos, dedicated to disseminating arts, cultures, and activism from the region.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.