Summer 2009

GOV F328L • Introduction to Latin American Government and Politics

Course Description

The course provides an overview of politics in Latin America. It assumes no previous class work on Latin America; all readings are in English. It covers some historical. Social and economic background, and then discusses four basic models of governance in the region over the post World War II period, focusing on the development and sustainability of democracy. It then looks at US-LA relations.

Grading Policy

Two midterms and a final, each a third of the grade; each consists of shorts answers and an essay. An optional paper is available in addition to (not in place of) an exam.

Texts

Blake's Politics in Latin America. 2nd Ed. Cengage: 2008. Weeks’ US and Latin American Relations. 1st Ed. Ph: 2008 Wiarda’s Concise Introduction to Latin American Politics and Development. 2nd Ed. CDS: 2007.

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