SPAN 307: History&Politics Of Mex
Examines Mexico's history and its peoples from indigenous periods to the arrival of Europeans and Spanish colonization including the mission system and rancherìas of California, New Mexico, and Colorado. Focuses on the independence movement and Mexico's relationship with the United States during westward expansion. Examines the 20th century by focusing on the Mexican Revolution and the factors which have resulted in continuous northern migration. Taught in English with Spanish readings for Spanish majors.
Course Narrative
I took Span 307: History and Politics of Mexico during spring of 2017 which was my first semester at CSUMB. Aside from the 8am start time I was super, duper excited to take this class. I LOVE Mexico, I love history, and following the last U.S. presidential election, I have become completely fascinated by politics. Professor Rafael Gomez taught the class and it was thoroughly engaging. The textbook he chose for the class followed the history of Mexico, from the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations all the way up through present day, written from first hand account perspectives. In other words, it wasn’t a history book written by people who weren’t there to witness the actual history they had written about. Instead, it was a collection of letters, poems, and anecdotes written by people who were actually there to witness history in the making. I had never read a history book like that and I really appreciated reading the first had accounts of people’s experiences.
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