In tracing the rise and development of two distinct societies in Latin America--those of the Middle Period and Modern Era--the course examines three longstanding, intertwining conflicts that dominated the struggle over direction in the historical evolution of these nations after independence: 1) the beneficiaries of political power and economic resources (hierarchy vs. egalitarianism); 2) the geographic scale upon which those social interests were best served (regional vs. national); 3) the cultural expressions (reflecting values, attitudes, and behavior) to embody, interpret, and affirm the larger society and the common good. (Spring). Liberal arts.