Spring 2004

LAS 337M • POLIT OF DEVEL IN LATIN AMER-W

Course Description

This writing component course will examine the struggle for development in Latin America during the last century. In the first part of the course, we will examine critically some of the major theories of development. We will then assess how well these, and other, theories explain economic and political events in Latin America. Two basic questions will be addressed (1) Why have the economic policies of Latin American governments shifted dramatically over the course of the last century? (2) What have been the economic, social and political consequences of these shifting policies? This course entails weekly reading assignments, a mid-term examination, and a 20-25 page research paper written in two drafts. In addition, students will be expected to participate regularly in class discussion and to make regular presentations of the readings.

Grading Policy

Class participation (10%) Oral presentation (10%) Mid-term examination (35%) First draft of paper (15%) Final draft of paper (30%).

Texts

Eliana Cardoso and Ann Helwege. Latin America's Economy: Diversity, Trends and Conflicts. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1995. Inter-American Development Bank. Development Beyond Economics. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000. Mitchell A. Seligson and John T. Passé-Smith, eds. Development and Underdevelopment Boulder: Lynne Rienner, 2003. 3rd Edition.

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