POL3479: Latin American Politics

This course offers an introduction to the political history and contemporary politics of Latin America, along with some of the main concepts and theories used by social scientists to explain the region’s political dynamics. Through a comparative, historical approach, the course aims to help students understand the continued challenges faced by countries in the region-- to the establishment of security, the rule of law and rights protection, to the stability and quality of democracy, and to sustainable and equitable economic growth—and how these interact. The objective of the course is not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in Latin America over time, but also to reflect on what the region’s experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world, including “north of the border.” In other words, the course seeks not just to provide students’ knowledge about Latin America, but to help them learn from Latin America.

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