This course focuses on the social, cultural, linguistic, and historical roots of contemporary Central American identities. As the introductory course in Central American Studies Certificate offered through the Center for Latin American Studies, this course takes an interdisciplinary look at the evolution and development of Central American peoples and nations, with particular emphasis on the indigenous foundations of the region. We begin by situating Central America in broad Latin American historical contexts with examinations of colonialism, nation-building, and the modern political economies of the region. We then turn to topical examinations of indigenous identity, culture, and languages. Through individual and collective research and analysis, students will examine the following themes of this course: colonization and imperialism; indigenous identity and culture; race and mestizaje; migration and human rights; and indigenous movements of Central America.