Political and Economic Development in Latin America

Overview

This course introduces students to the political and economic development of countries in the Latin American region. It focuses on the social structure of the countries in this region, the nature of the state, and the economic problems and policies of the Latin American countries (with emphasis on the larger countries in this region). Each lecture will explore a general theme in detail, together with case studies that detail and illustrate the key issues under analysis.

The main objectives of this course are to:
• Critically examine the historical development of Latin American societies, states, economies and political systems (especially after 1930) from a political economy perspective.
• Identify the most important economic features of Latin American development, and the political and economic constraints to development in this region.
• Compare and contrast different interpretations of Latin American societies, states, economies and political systems, and reach consistent conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of each interpretation.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:


• Identified and understood the most important debates within Latin American political economy of development.
• Made informed comparisons between processes and problems of economic development in different regions of the world, and different countries in this region.
• Understood the diversity of economic, social and political structures in Latin America.
• Developed their analytical and critical skills through the ideas discussed in the lectures and through individual research.
• Enhanced their communication skills, through seminar presentations and discussions in class.

Skills

• Enhancing students’ interpersonal and communication skills for a range of different audiences and purposes, both orally and in writing;
• Strengthening students’ intercultural understanding;
• Requiring students to identify real-life issues and challenges facing policymakers and practitioners and to consider appropriate responses;
• Providing opportunities for students to reflect on and take responsibility for their own learning;
• Enabling students to engage in critical and collaborative discussions of complex and theoretical issues, proposing and responding to different points of view;
• Requiring students to formulate and pursue critical questions regarding the development of Latin America.

Assessment

One presentation.
One essay.