Time Schedule:
Lisa M. Glidden
SISLA 342
Seattle Campus
Analysis of the political dynamics of change in Latin America comparing various national approaches to the political problems of modernization, economic development, and social change. Offered: jointly with POL S 342.
Class description
Course Description: When Evo Morales, the indigenous leader of Bolivia’s coca-growers union, was elected President in December 2005, pundits and analysts described the election as continuing a ‘swing to the Left’ among Latin American governments. Does the swing to the Left represent a new era of politics in Latin America? Or will economic, structural, or other factors constrain Latin American leaders?
This course provides an introduction to the politics of Latin America. After a brief overview of history and the theoretical approaches that have been used to understand Latin America, we will focus on contemporary political, economic, and social issues affecting Latin America in general, combined with country case studies for specific analysis.
Required Texts: Blake, Charles H. (2005) Politics in Latin America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company
Chasteen, John Charles (2006) Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America. NY: W.W. Norton & Co.
Additional readings available through Course E-Reserves
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
