Time Schedule:
Mary P. Callahan
SIS 456
Seattle Campus
Relationships among political, social, and economic changes in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Problems of economic and political development, revolution and reform, state-society relations, imperialism and dependency. Offered: jointly with POL S 450.
Class description
Students will develop an appreciation for the complex forces that have contributed to the failures of "third world" states to transform their societies. The class will focus particularly on the post-World War II political histories of Sierra Leone, Palestine, Egypt, Syria, Nigeria and the Philippines. We will examine the legacies of colonialism for postcolonial states; the pervasive violence that is the currency of elite politics in many developing countries; the inability of "third world" states to make much progress in transforming societies or individuals toward state goals. Offered: jointly with POL S 450.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
The class will be organized around lectures combined with small group exercises.
Recommended preparation
Required readings are likely to include Joel Migdal, Strong Societies and Weak States; James Scott, Seeing Like a State; Alan Berlow, The Dead Season; and Lisa Wedeen, Ambiguities of Domination.
Class assignments and grading
Students will be expected to integrate lectures, required readings, films and newspaper analysis. The research paper will involve multiple drafts, and students will be expected to serve as peer reviewers on early drafts.
Newspaper analysis and journal 15% Midterm Exam 20% Final Exam 30% research paper 35%.
