Developed By: Daniel Bonet Ojeda, Heriberto Cajigas, Nitza Diaz

In this unit, we walk through the sands of time to remember the blood, beauty, and sweat that contributed to the further development of the Puerto Rican and Latino social and economic structures. These cultures have demonstrated endurance and resilience during countless trials. Even through difficult times, they have nurtured their roots with their ancestors' culture. Perseverance, optimism, and fortitude are the hallmarks of Latinos’ striving for equity. The permanent emotional connection with their culture and identity keep them reimagining their independence, economic growth, and prosperity. In this unit, we will examine how the complex relationship between politics and economic policies helps us explain the current level and range of economic development in the region. Students will:

• Explore how colonialism impacted the development of Latin America societies during a period of social, economic “transformation.”

• Examine and interpret how Latin Americans and Puerto Ricans constructed and interpreted racial, ethnic, class, and gender identities as a result of historic and economic experiences of enslaved Africans in Latin America and in Puerto Rico.

• Investigate the ways in which United States relations with Puerto Rico and Latin America help or hinder social and economic growth.

• Examine specific role of Indigenous, Spaniards, and Africans in the formation of the Puerto Rican Nation.

• Evaluate how severe economic policies impact the economic growth of Puerto Rico and Latin America currently.

Compelling Question: How did power and hierarchy come together to create the social and economic structures of Puerto Rico and Latin America?