Latin History Oct 7th

Participants: Tanya, Cora, and other students.
Recording Information: Instructor mentions that recording is active and that students may turn off cameras if they do not wish to be seen on video.
Student Involvement: Instructor encourages student questions to facilitate discussion about Eric Wolf's book and critical reviews.

Purpose of Session: Discuss the book, its content, and guide on crafting a critical review.
Significance of the Book: Published in 1959, it changed perspectives on the history of Middle America, especially Guatemala and Mexico.
Return to Text: Book is revisited after 65 years due to its value in understanding the conquest and early settlement of Latin America.

Overview of Content:
- First Half: Focuses on the pre Columbian era.
- Emphasis on regional diversity and various indigenous nations.
- Sets the groundwork for understanding Spanish conquest.
- Second Half:
- Covers European conquest, including Columbus and Cortés's roles.
- Introduces new economy post-conquest and discusses demographic changes.
- Highlights the emergence of mixed descent populations (mestizos).

**Eric Wolf's Background: **
- An influential anthropologist with a broad knowledge base.
- Notable works include Europe and the People Without a History and Peasant Wars of the Twentieth Century.
- Identifies as a Marxist and has a unique viewpoint on historical narratives.

Title Analysis: “Sons of the Shaking Earth” refers to the volcanic activity of the region, shaping the dynamics of indigenous populations.
Diverse Indigenous Groups: Historical context of densely populated areas with varying indigenous cultures prior to European arrival.
Anthropological and Archaeological Insights:
- Discusses monuments and ruins that reflect the history and cultural contributions of indigenous peoples.
European Conquest: Analyzes the transition to a European-dominated economy.
- Discusses issues faced by the Spaniards, including economic depression.

The devastating impact of disease and warfare on the indigenous population.
The growth of the mestizo population as a significant demographic shift in post-conquest society.

Sets the historical context for modern Latin America.
Highlights how history is continuously re-evaluated with new findings and perspectives.
Recognizes the evolution of historical analysis since the book's publication.

Expectations:
- Should be an individual perspective, not influenced by outside reviews or opinions.
- Avoid first-person narrative to maintain an objective tone.
- Focus on how the reader engages with the content rather than simply summarizing the book.

Length: 8 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font; no strict word count.
Content Focus: Analyze rather than just summarize. Identify themes, criticisms, and personal insights on Wolf's arguments.
Bold Introductory Statement: Start with a compelling statement that outlines the central critique or perspective.
Conclusion: Assess the book's relevance and suitability for modern audiences.

Page numbers can be referenced if something is particularly contentious or supported in the text.
Use contemporary language to discuss the text's terminology, being mindful of evolving terms around indigenous identity.

Grasp the author's background and the time the book was written to inform your critical perspective.
Recognize potential biases and viewpoints that may shape the author's narrative, but do not dwell excessively on these elements in your writing.

To succeed in the review, focus on original insights and understanding. Make sure your critique is thoughtful and well-supported throughout the essay.
Address any final questions or clarifications before concluding the session as it's essential to grasp what is discussed in both Wolf's book and the critical review process.