Summer Timetable

POL360H1S L0101

Topics in Latin American Politics

Exclusion, Mobilization, and Social Upheaval

Themes

This course begins with an overview of the historical roots of exclusion in Latin America, followed by an examination of various theories and practices of social mobilization and upheaval in the region. In particular, we will analyze the tensions between extra-systemic forms of organizing and participation in electoral politics as means of resolving these social tensions. The class develops chronologically, exposing students to a range of canonical literature and contemporary research from a variety of backgrounds, with special emphasis given to Political Science and History. Substantive issues will include the changing face of Latin America’s power structure, class dynamic, human rights regime, and economic configuration within the global economy. The students are expected to understand the general theoretical debates and apply them to particular cases throughout the Americas. The ultimate goal of this course is to provide students with the context necessary to understand developments in contemporary Latin American politics.

Texts

John C. Chasteen, Born in Blood and Fire (WW Norton, 2006); Daniel C. Hellinger. Comparative Politics of Latin America: Democracy at Last? (Routledge, 2015); Henry Veltmeyer, On The Move: The Politics of Social Change in Latin America (Broadview Press, 2007).

Format and Requirements

Research Proposal (10%), Research Essay (30%), Participation in Discussion Board (20%), and a final exam (40%)

Prerequisites

1.0 credit in POL/ JPA/ JPF/ JPI/ JPR/ JPS/ JRA courses

Exclusions