SS384 examines the politics of Latin American countries by applying the theories, methodologies, and conceptual tools provided by the disciplines of comparative politics and international relations. In the course students will study phenomena such as democratic regimes, authoritarian regimes, political transitions, political participation, political institutions, socio-economic development, and foreign policy within Latin America and its member countries. At the conclusion of this course, students can apply comparative political science approaches to understand Latin American politics, have a deeper understanding of Latin American history and policies, and develop a greater familiarity with the tools of social science.
This course provides a thematic study in comparative politics, focusing in particular on Latin America and scholarly explanations for political dynamics in the region. The course presents a wide variety of scholarly treatments on the chosen theme, utilizing historical institutionalist, rational actor, and hybrid approaches. The course is divided into three blocks. Block I begins with foundational texts which tend to be more or less mono-causal and offer stark comparisons in terms of the theoretical approaches used by comparative politics. Block II explores more recent hybrid theories, which blend rational actor and historical institutionalist explanations for change and continuity. Block III concludes with texts that focus on narrative and the creation of meaning in determining Latin American political behavior. At the conclusion of this course, students are able to understand and apply comparative approaches to political behavior, have a deeper understanding of Latin American history and politics, and are familiar with the tools of social science.
Lessons
30 @ 75 min (2.000 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
Two book reviews (800 - 1000 words) and two policy papers (800-1000 words); compensatory time provided.
This course provides a thematic study in comparative politics, focusing in particular on Latin America and scholarly explanations for political dynamics in the region. The course presents a wide variety of scholarly treatments on the chosen theme, utilizing historical institutionalist, rational actor, and hybrid approaches. The course is divided into three blocks. Block I begins with foundational texts which tend to be more or less mono-causal and offer stark comparisons in terms of the theoretical approaches used by comparative politics. Block II explores more recent hybrid theories, which blend rational actor and historical institutionalist explanations for change and continuity. Block III concludes with texts that focus on narrative and the creation of meaning in determining Latin American political behavior. At the conclusion of this course, students are able to understand and apply comparative approaches to political behavior, have a deeper understanding of Latin American history and politics, and are familiar with the tools of social science.
Lessons
40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
Two book reviews (800 - 1000 words) and two policy papers (800-1000 words); compensatory time provided.
This course provides a thematic study in comparative politics, focusing in particular on Latin America and scholarly explanations for political dynamics in the region. The course presents a wide variety of scholarly treatments on the chosen theme, utilizing historical institutionalist, rational actor, and hybrid approaches. The course is divided into three blocks. Block I begins with foundational texts which tend to be more or less mono-causal and offer stark comparisons in terms of the theoretical approaches used by comparative politics. Block II explores more recent hybrid theories, which blend rational actor and historical institutionalist explanations for change and continuity. Block III concludes with texts that focus on narrative and the creation of meaning in determining Latin American political behavior. At the conclusion of this course, students are able to understand and apply comparative approaches to political behavior, have a deeper understanding of Latin American history and politics, and are familiar with the tools of social science.
Lessons
40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
Two book reviews (800 - 1000 words) and two policy papers (800-1000 words); compensatory time provided.
This course provides an introduction to the study of the politics, political institutions, and international relations of Latin America including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. It surveys the state of Latin America in the post-Cold War world with an emphasis on modernization, democratic stabilization, and economic interdependence through the comparison of the interrelated nature of polity, society, and economy with cases from each region. The course is divided into five blocks. Block I provides an introduction, conceptual overview, and historical background. Block II focuses on the role of the state, regime types, and modernization using case studies of key countries in the region. Block III addresses the problems of poverty and economic development. Block IV addresses social issues, including revolutionary movements, and critical problems such as class, race, and gender. Block V provides an overview of U.S. policy towards the region, including security relations, the role of the military and contemporary issues such as counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics policy.
Lessons
40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
Two book reviews (800 - 1000 words) and two policy papers (800-1000 words); compensatory time provided.
This course provides an introduction to the study of the politics, political institutions, and international relations of Latin America including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. It surveys the state of Latin America in the post-Cold War world with an emphasis on modernization, democratic stabilization, and economic interdependence through the comparison of the interrelated nature of polity, society, and economy with cases from each region. The course is divided into four blocks. Block I provides a conceptual overview and then focuses on the role of the state, regime types and modernization with case studies of seven different countries. Block II considers the historic and evolving role of Latin American militaries. Block III addresses contemporary issues that affect politics such as the role of women, race, and class issues. Block IV provides an overview of U.S. policy towards the region and the likely future of Latin America.
Lessons
40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
One book review (500 words) and three short essays (1000-1500 words); compensatory time provided.
This course provides an introduction to the study of the politics, political institutions, and international relations of Latin America including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Latin America has experienced profound political and economic change in the past decade and this course focuses on understanding the impetus and nature of political change as well as its implications. One important implication that will be examined is the future of democracy in the region. The course is divided into two sections. The first section focuses on the basic components of political culture, principal political actors, and the nature of political interaction in Latin America. The second section examines specific Latin American countries and their political systems.
Lessons
40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
One book review (500 words) and three short essays (1000-1500 words); compensatory time provided.
