Latin-American Studies

Research topic
The general topic for this study is the history of the Jesuits in Latin America.  However, to be more specific it will cover the effects of Jesuits arrival and factors that led to their expulsion in South America.  

Thesis statement
The arrival of Jesuit missionaries in Latin America brought numerous developments in the continent.  Despite their motive and mission being to restore the society into Christianity, they managed to acquire enormous power which enabled them to conduct their activities and operations without disturbances thereby resulting in economic growth and development in the continent.  Consequently, the acquisition of economic power and the social influence attained by Jesuits could have contributed to their expulsion in the South American continent.  This research study seeks to explore the history of Jesuits and the developments associated with their arrival and in addition to that evaluate factors that led to their expulsion.

Annotated bibliography

Dussel, Enrique. A History of the Church in Latin America. Grand Rapids, MI Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1981.

Summary
Dussel provides an ample history of the church in South America however much emphasis is placed on theology.  The emphasis on theology by the author makes this publication essential for historians as well as theologians with outstanding interests in Latin American culture.  The publication is structured in a way that ensures provision of clear understanding regarding the formation and continuity of the traditions and culture of Latin Americans.  Materials contained in this publication would play an important role in this study since Jesuits played part in the way the Latin American culture and traditions are shaped.  Furthermore, it covers the activities of Jesuits thus making it crucial for the study.

Klaiber, Jeffrey. The Jesuits in Latin America Legacy and Current Emphases. The Jesuits in Latin America Legacy and Current Emphases. International Bulletin of Missionary Research, 28.2 (April 2004) 63-66,

Summary
This article presents an adequate outline of the legacy of Jesuits in Latin America following their arrival in the sixteenth century.  It also outlines their perceived roles by the colonial government as advisers and collaborators.  In addition, Klaiber provides insight concerning the expulsion and the return of Jesuits in Latin America and the developments in terms of education and employment that were brought in.  The author claims that Jesuits built schools and colleges which prospered and are still recognized in the present day.  The information presented by Klaiber would play a crucial role in meeting the objectives of this study.  By covering issues concerning the expulsion and the return of Jesuits and the progress realized, this publication is in line with the thesis statement hence supports this study.      

Konrad, Herman W. A Jesuit Hacienda in Colonial Mexico Santa Luca, 1576-1767. Palo Alto, CA Stanford University Press, 1980.

Summary
This publication revolves around the levels of command and administration within the Jesuit hierarchy in Mexico.  It covers details concerning the management structure adopted by Jesuit missionaries that led to the success of their enterprises.  The author claims that Jesuits held immense economic influence in Latin America during the colonization era and this was as a result of the huge properties which they owned.  In addition to that, the author also outlines some of the Jesuit properties and the developments realized by the South American nations.  This publication contains crucial resources that support this study as a result of the author focusing on the Jesuit realm.

Smith, Gary. The History of the Catholic Church in Latin America and Liberation Theology. New Haven, CT Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute, 2010.

Summary
This publication provides a detailed examination of the history of Jesuits in Latin America.  The author attempts to provide a clear understanding regarding the role of the church in South America during the conquest and independence era.  The article also covers the developments which were realized in the continent as a result of the arrival of Jesuits.  According to Smith, by eighteenth century Jesuits held exceptional economic power, intellectual standards and social influence.   The Jesuits vast holdings led to many developments being realized through domestic employment and opening up of settlement areas thus making this publication essential for the study.  In addition, the article covers briefly issues that led to the expulsion of Jesuits in Latin America which makes it critical in addressing the objectives of this study.    

Watson, Robert G. Spanish and Portuguese South America During the Colonial Period. Charleston, SC BiblioBazaar Publishing, 2008.

Summary
Watson provides a comprehensive overview of activities that took place in South America during the colonial era.  Moreover, the author also covers the involvement of Jesuits in bringing developments in the continent and factors that led to their expulsion.  During that period many discoveries were made which played part in the economy growth of countries such as Brazil where mines were explored.  This study entails the progress that came with arrival of Jesuits in Latin America which makes this publication important in ensuring adequate data is availed.  Through materials encompassed in this publication a clear panorama of the research objectives is provided and the likelihood of meeting them is enhanced.