Course Info: CSI-0109

CourseCSI-0109 Sex. & Rep. Rights in Lat. Am.
Long TitleSexual and Reproductive Rights in Latin America
Term2015F
Note(s) Satisfies Distribution
Textbook information
Meeting InfoFranklin Patterson Hall 102 on M,W from 9:00-10:20
FacultyCora Fernandez-Anderson
Capacity23
Available2
Waitlist0
Distribution(s) Power, Community and Social Justice
Cumulative Skill(s)Writing and Research
Additional InfoStudents are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.
Description

Since the 1990s Latin America has witnessed increasing societal and political debates over sexual and reproductive rights. Issues such as contraception, abortion, same sex marriage, transgender rights, sexual education and assisted reproductive technology have risen to the top of some countries' agendas after decades of silence, taboos, and restrictive or non-existent legislation. The course aims to provide a survey of sexual and reproductive rights in Latin America assessing the state of the regions as a whole, while at the same time highlighting the disparities that exist within it. The course analyzes the multiple factors behind the current policies focusing particularly on the role of women and gay rights movements in advancing more liberal legislation. In addition, we will look at the role of the Catholic Church in these debates and their struggles to prevent any legislative change that goes against their doctrine from happening. Among the cases we will explore are Argentina's same marriage and gender identity legislation, Uruguay's decriminalization of abortion, Costa Rica's ban on IVF technologies and Peru's coercive sterilization program of indigenous populations.