This course studies Latin American Politics from theoretical and empirical perspectives. First, it will provide a short introduction to the history of Latin America based on major theoretical perspectives with a particular emphasis on the second half of the twentieth century and current context. Then, it will mainly focus on major political, social and economic institutions in the region, while studying intra-regional variation in this respect as well as the common patterns. It will examine the evolution of democratic regimes, military interventions, transitions and civil society politics from an institutionalist perspective, focusing on the so-called ''third wave'' of democratization processes in the region. The course will finally explore the politics of ongoing processes of regionalization within Latin America and between Latin America and other regions of the world. The politics and ideology behind the ideal of ''Latin American integration'' will be studied in this final section. The mail goal of this course is to expose students to substantive empirical issues and theoretical debates in the contemporary scholarship on Latin American politics.
Latin American Politics (POLS 446)
| Programs\Type | Required | Core Elective | Area Elective |
| International Studies | * | ||
| International Studies | * | ||
| Political Science | * | ||
| Political Science and International Relations | * | ||
| Political Science (Previous Name: Social and Political Sciences) | * |
CONTENT
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this class is to give students an overview of the contemporary political questions and challenges that are faced by Latin American countries. In order to have a better understanding of these issues, we start the class with a brief discussion of Latin American history and some important theoretical approaches that dominated the study of Latin American politics. The breakdowns of democracy and transitions to democratic rule have been among the leading issues, so we devote a section on these topics where both theoretical questions and examples from countries will be discussed. The following section looks in more detail at workings of democratic governments in Latin America. We focus on political institutions such as the presidential system and political parties, corruption, and some political economy issues such as economic reforms. The course ends with a discussion of 'the left' in Latin America.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- At the end of the course, the students are expected to -know facts about Latin American history and contemporary politics -understand the challenges that are faced by Latin American countries -assess the consequences of choices on political institutions and political economy -analyse Latin American politics from a comparative perspective -assess the position of Latin American region in world politics
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
1. Understand the world, their country, their society, as well as themselves and have awareness of ethical problems, social rights, values and responsibility to the self and to others. 5
2. Understand different disciplines from natural and social sciences to mathematics and art, and develop interdisciplinary approaches in thinking and practice. 2
3. Think critically, follow innovations and developments in science and technology, demonstrate personal and organizational entrepreneurship and engage in life-long learning in various subjects; have the ability to continue to educate him/herself. 2
4. Communicate effectively in Turkish and English by oral, written, graphical and technological means. 5
5. Take individual and team responsibility, function effectively and respectively as an individual and a member or a leader of a team; and have the skills to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. 2
1. Analyze global affairs from international relations and economics perspectives. 5
2. Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of the international affairs. 5
3. Compete for increasing opportunities in careers within the newly emerging global institutions. 4
4. Evaluate the international political events and present their views and positions on international affairs with advanced oral and written skills. 5
1. To analyze national and global events from various social science perspectives.
2. To demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge on political science and international relations and to state views and positions with advanced oral and written skills.
3. To compete for increasing career opportunities in national and global institutions.
4. To (be able to) understand and follow the changes in political behaviours, opinions and structures.
5. To gain the ability to make logical inferences on social and political issues based on comparative and historical knowledge.
1. Understand and follow changes in patterns of political behavior, ideas and structures. 5
2. Develop the ability to make logical inferences about social and political issues on the basis of comparative and historical knowledge. 5
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ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA
| Percentage (%) | |
| Final | 50 |
| Midterm | 35 |
| Participation | 15 |
RECOMENDED or REQUIRED READINGS
| Readings |
Halperin-Donghi, Tulio. Contemporary History of Latin America. Durham: Duke University Press, 1993 Pages 1-41 |