Topic: Democracy in Latin America

TimeDaysLocationInstructorGERCreditOPUS Class NumberSyllabus (Tentative)
1:00pm-4:00pm
M
Tarbutton Hall 113C
Juan del Aguila. 413140 TBA.

January 13, 2010- April 26, 2010

Prerequisites: Some prior work in Comparative Politics of Latin American and Caribbean Studies would be helpful.

Catalog Description: Open only to senior and junior majors and others by permission of instructor. Selected topics in political science.

Semester Details:

Analysis and critical evaluation of democracy in Latin America, focusing on institutional development, political culture, elections and political leadership. Course examines the extent to which recent transformations may endure, or become vulnerable to authoritarian reversals.

Students expected to make several presentations to the class based on literature to be read. Individual presentations will be followed by analysis and discussion among class members and the instructor. Course will be run like a graduate seminar, and thus require substantial reading on a weekly basis. Extensive participation is expected because this is not a standard upper division lecture course, but rather one where an extensive review of the literature will provide much of the substance.

Required Textbooks, Articles, and Resources

  1. Millett, et. al., Richard. 2008. Latin American Democracy: Emerging Reality or Endangered Species?.
    ISBN: 9780415990486.
    Routledge
  2. Smith, Peter. 2005. Democracy in Latin America: Political Change in Comparative Perspective.
    ISBN: 9780195157598.
    Oxford University Press

Grading

Assignment/ExamDetails% of Total Grade
Research PaperOne 20-25 page paper.40%
Class Presentations(See Above)20%
Final ExamNA40%

The schedule of courses on O.P.U.S. is the official listing of courses, including days and times they meet and the General Education Requirements they satisfy. Students should use course descriptions as general guidelines. Course requirements, grading details, book lists, and syllabi are subject to change.