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.
