PPR337: Society and Politics in Latin America

Tutor: Julie Hearn and Amalendu Misra
Term: Not available 2013/14

Course Description

This module is interdisciplinary in nature, in the sense that it includes several approaches to study the Society and Politics in Latin America. It is designed on thematic issues that bind all the 21 member nations of the Latin America in one form or another. The primary aim of this module is to introduce students to an understudied region in the world. This is done through introducing them to various themes in Latin American Politics. This module is designed for students, who have already had some grounding on politics of development, conflict and peace, religion and culture and also aimed at those who wish to develop an area studies specialisation in their intellectual quest.

Learning Outcomes

• Appreciate the dynamics of Latin American Politics and society.
• Evaluate its position in contemporary international politics.
• Engage with practical contemporary topics such as democracy, development, migration and such.
• Articulate and defend their own views on key thematic issues that bind Latin America member nations.
• Understand, assess, and critically engage with, key concepts and intellectual debates derived from the literature.
• Express and argue their own views.
• Pursue intellectual questions in a rigorous and academic manner, employing analytical skills and critical thinking.
• Communicate ideas to others in a clear and concise manner through presentation skills including oral and written work.

Assessment

40% coursework and 60% exam.
Coursework: 1 essay of 3000 words. Exam: 2 hours.

Teaching Method

Lecture (1.5 hours) and seminar (1 hour) weekly.

Introductory Reading

Auyero, J. Poor People's Politics: Peronist Survival Networks and the Legacy of Evita (Durham: Duke University Press 2001)

Barrett, P. Et al (eds) The New Latin American Left: Utopia Reborn (London: Pluto Press 2008)

Crabtree, J. & Whitehead, L. (eds) Unresolved Tensions: Bolivia Past and Present (Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh 2008)

Galeano, E. (1973) Open Veins of Latin America (New York: Monthly Review Press 1973)

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