Download Syllabus - University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
HISTORY 4393: SPECIAL T0PICS IN LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY
TOPIC: U.S.-MEXICO RELATIONS
FALL SEMESTER 2016
ANTHONY K. KNOPP, Ph. D.
PHONE: 544-8260
OFFICE: M-0 Bldg., History Offices
E-mail: [email protected]
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES: An examination and analysis of the relationship between Mexico and the United
states from independence to the present, including the diplomatic, political, military, geographic, economic, social and cultural aspects.
The perspectives of both nations will be considered and special emphasis will be focused on border issues.
REQUIREMENTS: (1) One book review (2) A mid-semester exam (3) A final examination.
TEXTS: Vazquez & Meyer, The United States and Mexico; O’Neil, Two Nations Indivisible
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is expected. Confer in advance with the instructor concerning any anticipated absences.
DUE DATES: The completed book review is due on October 27.
GRADING:
Mid-semester Exam
30%
Class Participation
10%
Book Review
10%
Final Exam
50%
Deadline to withdraw with a “W”: Nov. 17
Final Exam: (probably) Dec. 15
OUTLINE
1. Two New Nations 1810-1835
2. Manifest Destiny and Mexican Chaos 1836-54
3. The Era of Civil Wars 1855-68
4. Improving Relations 1868-1910
5. Revolution and Intervention 1910-1940
6. New Diplomatic Relations 1920-1940
7. World Power at War and Its Neighbor 1940-70
8. Diplomatic Tensions and Economic Crisis 1970-82
9. Rapprochement and New Economic Relationship 1982-2012
10. Current issues in Mexico: Democratization, Corruption, Cartel Violence
11. Current issues at the Border: Drug Smuggling, Illegal Immigration
Additional required reading: Lawrence E. Harrison, The Pan-American Dream, Ch. 8.
Questions for consideration and discussion:
1. What influence did previous US-Spanish relations have on the beginning of US-Mexican relations?
2. How did the attitudes of the respective government officials and influential elites affect early relations?
3. What were the causes of conflict between the US and Mexico in the mid-19th century?
4. Explain the power relationship between the two nations in the mid-19th century.
5. Why did relations improve in the later 19th century?
6. Explain the impact of the Mexican Revolution on relations with the US.
7. How did the Cold War influence the two-nation relationship?
8. What social and cultural factors of each nation had the greatest influence on the other nation?
9. Explain the economic aspects of the relationship in the latter third of the 20 th century.