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.
