Time Schedule:
Anthony J Gill
POL S 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 JSIS A 342.
Class description
Meets W-course requirement
Description. Despite its geographical proximity, people in the U.S. know surprisingly little about Latin America. Stereotyped by the popular media, Latin America is often seen as a monolithic entity filled with "banana republics" and dictators. However, even a casual examination of the region reveals how untrue this image is: Latin America contains a culturally diverse population and complex networks of political relations. While it would be impossible to cover the rich political and cultural diversity of this region in one academic term, students will be exposed to the broad analytical perspectives and substantive topics that have occupied scholarly attention. Special attention will be paid to the oscillations between military and civilian rule over the last half century. Countries focused on include Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Guatemala. Prerequisites: None. Non-majors welcome.
Texts: Skidmore and Smith, Modern Latin America; Andersen, Dosier Secreto; Morris, Political Reformism in Mexico; and Stoll, Between Two Armies in the Ixil Towns of Guatemala.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Assignments. Requirements: Two in-class exams. One short analytical paper based on a class project.
Grading. Exams: 50 % Project/presentation: 50 % TOTAL: 100 %
