FYS 75 The Struggle for Human Dignity and Security in Contemporary Mexico
Mexico is undergoing “democratic backsliding” in part because its transitional justice efforts in the early 2000s were anemic, and in part because of the increasing economic, political and martial power of transnational criminal organizations. This class will analyze the extreme violence committed by Organized Criminal Groups (OCG), the so-called ‘cartels,’ in the context of a weak and ineffective criminal justice system. Students will not only learn how ordinary people attempt to create security for themselves, but our class will focus on the various social movements—both non-violent and violent-- that have mobilized to demand human dignity through basic public security. WARNING: This course includes discussion of extreme violence. Students who may find such content difficult are encouraged to consider this carefully before enrolling.
Open only to first-year frosh.