LATAM 1000
Latin America: Nation, Ethnicity and Social Conflict
This class is an interdisciplinary introduction to the academic study of modern and contemporary Latin America. The course focuses on main issues in Latin American politics, history and culture, both in the continent at large and in the specific regions and sub-regions within it. The class will particularly explore topics such as nation creation, national identity, modes of citizenry, the role of race, ethnicity, gender and class in the region's historical development, as well as social and political conflicts, which have defined the region over the centuries. This course is suggested before taking any other upper-level courses on Latin America or going abroad to other countries, and required for all Latin American Studies majors and minors. Through the course, students gain basic bibliographic knowledge and experience with research tools for a comparative study of Latin American politics society and culture.
Instructors
Reviews
Take his classes!! I wasn't even particularly interested in Latin America before I took my first class with him, but now I'm continuing to take them just because of him lol.
1/27/2026
Super easy to reach outside of class, and he really focuses on grading participation based on effort, instead of just talking in class (go to office hours!!). Such a friendly guy.
1/12/2026
Dr. Mejia is the best professor ever... Feedback, advisement, and recommendation letter...Finally, excellent advice regarding graduate school. His experience back-to-back across the Atlantic was key to various applications.
12/24/2025
As a freshman, Dr. Mejia has been an incredible guide, always available during office hours. He makes learning fun and encourages students to find their interests. I asked for a fellowship letter of recommendation, and he kindly offered advice, feedback, and support.
12/23/2025
He is a really great person and knowledgeable. A lot of reading in this class which is supposedly mandatory that I didn't do (apparently getting changed next sem). Fun lectures which are not tested on at all, so you don't really have to listen but still interesting. You can basically gpt the readings and get an A in the class
12/23/2025
He's amazing and has tons of knowledge and stories about Latin America. His classes eventually could deviate into political topics, which makes sense since he is a political scientist.
12/22/2025
If you are into Latin American Studies or Political Science, you must take any of his classes. He is an outstanding lecturer and even better human being.
12/22/2025
Dr. Mejia it's a fantastic professor, very eager for his students to succeed and learn about the class materials. One of the best professors I had the pleasure of taking classes with at WashU.
12/22/2025
Take literally any of his classes, they are great. You learn so much plus he's a pretty easy grader.
12/22/2025
Professor Mejia is very sweet and a very easy-grader! Try your best to participate in class! The readings can be long but if you skim them you should be fine.
12/21/2025
mejia is a cool guy, def recommend taking one of his classes. readings are light, he asks questions during lecture about them. he is big on class participation so pls chat it up he loves it and just wants to know if you understand the material. very generous with grading and extensions! usually 5-ques quizzes on readings, gave answers of mid term!!
12/14/2025
Readings will seem like a lot at first, but skimming should get you by fine. Discussion boards are the bulk of your grade so definitely write about them like you care and you should get at least an A-. He is so funny and kind, and the people who have a problem with him usually disagree on his political views. Final project is low-stakes and fun!
2/3/2025
I took LatAm165D a few semesters ago and have taken a class with him almost every semester since, including The Binational Condition and Survey of MC. Assignment criteria is very clear, and his lectures make you want to pay attention rather than it being a chore. You'll know pretty immediately if you want to keep taking the class.
1/6/2025
Nacho is a rly good lecturer. Obviously very knowledgable and passionate about what he teaches, and funny, too. The final project was probably my favorite kind of final ever--low pressure and fun. A large part of your grade is from weekly prep boards. I did many late, but the extra credit made up for a lot.
1/6/2025
Nacho is a great professor—probably my favorite this semester. The class involves a lot of reading every week, but if you are interested, the readings are fun. The class is graded only with weekly prep boards and a final project, which is very chill. Nacho is very accessible outside of class and sometimes makes some hilarious jokes in lectures.
12/11/2024
2 or less hrs/week
Nacho is probably the best professor I’ve ever had. You don’t really need to participate in this class, just do the discussion posts and you’ll get an A.
6/21/2024
2-4 hrs/week
A lot of reading and weekly discussions boards in addition to a few main assignments, but definitely manageable. Class is incredibly engaging and interesting!
5/23/2024
Super kind and funny. Extremely easy to get an A. Maybe 1.5 hours of homework per week. I fell asleep during every lecture since there were no exams. You won't get an A+. Accessible outside of class
1/30/2024
I wasn't a huge fan of this class, but don't let that dissuade you if you're truly interested in Latin American Studies. There was a LOT of reading and the lectures weren't my favorite, but the professor is very knowledgable on the subject. Super nice guy who truly wants you to learn. No exams and final project was very fun.
1/24/2024
Incredibly intelligent professor and you can absolutely tell when you listen to his lectures. Lots of reading and it's important to have a general idea of all content to get good scores on the weekly discussion boards and quizzes, but content is pretty interesting. Final project requires barely any class content, but really cool.
12/21/2023