HIST 2910A: Religion in Colonial Latin America

HIST 2910A/RELI 2840A: Religion in Colonial Latin America
Fall 2025

Instructor: Dr. Alicia Mayer

Course Description: One of the most notable social and cultural traits of Latin America today is its strong religious nature and practices. This characteristic originated in the period of European colonization of the American continent, more than 300 years ago. In particular, the Spanish State and Church gave a special feature to the missionary endeavors towards the native peoples.This class will examine the religious history and practices of Latin America during the colonial period (roughly from the 16th to 19th centuries). It would follow the Catholic Church’s role in the new heterogenic society, as well as the impact of the cultural encounter between European, Indigenous, and African groups, which modeled a spirited, energetic, and lively syncretic tradition whose elements are still visible today. We will review the cultural and political implications of these religious interactions, as well as the formation of creole spirituality and local devotions, such as the Virgin of Guadalupe, the Christ of Chalma, and Saint Rosa of Lima. We will explore the tactics and policies of evangelization, as well as the leading institutions, such as the Inquisition, and various other topics.The course will follow a chronological framework, with thematic content introduced at specific points.