Luis A. Gonzalez explores IU's resources

A Research Associate for IU's Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Luis A. Gonzalez was invited in the Spring of '97 to teach a course for the History Department entitled: "Latin American History and Civilization, Part II." This course is quite similar to several Gonzalez has taught for the University of Minnesota, where he is in the process of completing his Ph.D in History. Gonzalez feels that a historical perspective of Latin American history is crucial in enabling students to make "nuanced and balanced judgments on events occurring both within the borders of the United States and beyond." In addition to providing that broad historical perspective, Gonzalez's course also contained material with which students could form a more personal connection. He was particularly pleased with their reaction to the autobiography I, Rigoberta Menchu and observed that "students were quite moved by her experiences."

During the semester, Gonzalez found IU's Instructional Support Services Office quite impressive; not only is access to instructional materials (overheads, slides, videos, etc.) provided free of charge, but experienced teaching consultants are available for in-class observations and advice about various teaching strategies.

About MFFP, Gonzalez states that "what is good about the program is that it gives you the flexibility to work on your research or writing." This aspect proved to be quite useful to him, as he puts the finishing touches on his dissertation, which examines the evolution of the political mobilization of sugar cane growers in Rio de Janeiro from 1930-1945. With this work, Gonzalez hopes to shed light on "the processes that underlie subordinate class mobilization, the institutionalization of agrarian protest, and the operation of law in modern Brazil."