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2012/2013  BA-BLM_BA28  Current Politics in Latin America

English Title
Current Politics in Latin America

Course information
Language English
Exam ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Course period Autumn
schedule:
friday 11.40-14.14, week 36-41,43-48.
Time Table Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Max. participants 35
Study board
Study Board for BA in International Business Communication
Course coordinator
  • Kevin McGovern - Department of International Business Communication
Rosalba Cazón - rocelectric@gmail.com, Jan Gustafsson - jg.ikk@cbs.dk
Main Category of the Course
  • Globalization, International Business, markets and studies
  • International Politics
  • Language and Intercultural Studies
Last updated on 21-03-2013
Learning objectives
The course will aim at the development of academic and personal competences.
The academic competences acquired will be:
General knowledge of Latin American politics and Inter-American relations.
Knowledge of historical background
Knowledge of relation between politics and identity in Latin America
More specific knowledge of national cases
Knowledge about economic aspects of Latin American politics.

The following learning objectives include the requirements for the final paper.
  • Analytical competences (especially related to politics and identity), oral presentation and dialogue, as well as writing skills.
  • Oral presentations and dialogue, as well as writing skills.
  • To formulate a relevant problem within the course’s fields, politics and/or identity problems.
  • To argue for the relevance and theoretical and methodological implications of the problem.
  • To be able to select and marshal relevant bibliographic material.
  • To present adequate theory and/or methodological tools for the analysis
  • To analyze the problem and its implications in a logical and comprehensive manner.
  • To present the content in an adequate academic form, including clear and correct style in language and arguments, as well as a standard system of notes and references.
  • To conclude convincingly on the subject;
Prerequisite
No specific or formal qualifications required. Some general knowledge about Latin American history and politics is an advantage.
Examination
Written assignment:
Type of test Home Assignment
Marking scale 7-step scale
Second examiner No second examiner
Exam period Winter Term
Aids Please, see the detailed regulations below
Duration Please, see the detailed regulations below
Examination
A written assignment of 8 pages. The topic will take its point of departure in the course, will be proposed by the student and approved by the teacher.
Re-examination will be as the ordinary exam.
Course content

The course will consist of 10 teaching sessions (of two periods; once a week). The first session will be a general introduction to the course and the region (Latin America). The second will consist in an introduction to the current ‘status’ of the political situation and problems of the region, with particular emphasis in the "left turn" of the former decade and the latest developments. The next seven sessions will contain 4-5 case studies: Bolivia, Venezuela, Chile, Cuba and Colombia. The country case studies will relate to regional studies (e.g. regional integration) and/or a study of current developments of Inter-American (hemispheric) relations.
Teaching methods
Each session will have a teacher’s presentation. Students are also urged to do 10 minutes presentations.
Expected literature

The readings for the course are available on the CBS online library. The links will be provided on the student's website.
Applebaum, McPherson and Rosemblatt: ‘Race and Nation in modern Latin America’: University of North Carolina Press, 2033; Introduction and Afterword.

Azicri, Max: "The Castro-Chávez Allianca". In: Latin American Perspectives,2009, 36, 99.  

Bond, Patrick: "The New Latin American Left. Origins and Future. Trajectory"; Organised by TNI with the Havens Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2004

Christman, Daniel W Heimann, John G: "Andes 2020: A New Strategy for the Challenges of Colombia and the Region"; Report of an Independent Commission Sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations Center for Preventive Action. Council on Foreign Relations, New York, NY, USA , 2004

Dunkerley, James: "Evo Morales, The “Two Bolivias” and The Third Bolivian Revolution"; Journal of Latin American Studies, Cambridge University; Press; 2007 

Hayward, Susanna: “Venezuela and the Latin American New Left”, Council on Hemispheric Affairs;2007

Lindsay-Poland; John: "Retreat to Colombia: The Pentagon Adapts Its Latin America Strategy";NACLA Report on the Americas; January/February 2010. 
                
Munck, Ronaldo: "Contemporary Latin America". Palgrave; 2007

Nilsson, Martin, Ph.D: "Globalization and the Formation of the Political Left" ; Political Science; Växjö University – Sweden, 2008 
 
Paschel and Sawyer: "Contesting Politics as Usual: Black Social    
Movements, Globalization, and Race Policy in Latin America"  In Souls: A Critical Journal of Black Politics, Culture & Society | 2008-0910:3

Petras, James (July 2, 1988)). "Neglected Dimensions of Violence". Economic and Political Weekly 23 (27): 1367. JSTOR 4378701.

Zuquete; Pedro: "The Missionary Politics of Hugo Chavez" In: Latin American Politics and Society; University of Miami; 2008.

There will be other readings posted on the student's website.
Last updated on 21-03-2013