This course explores the patterns of political and economic change in modern Latin America. It begins with the rise of industrialisation, state-led development (ISI) and the emergence of populism in the 1930s-40s, the wave of military coups of the 1960s-70s, the processes of democratisation and neoliberalism of the 1980s-90s, and the regional turn to the Left plus the emergence of a post-reform agenda in the 2000s. Covering five countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela), this course will investigate the causes and consequences of populism, revolution, military authoritarian and bureaucratic authoritarian rule, democratisation, and neoliberalism. It will also consider topics such as the 'weak democracy syndrome' plus critical issues for Latin American democracy and development such a violence and insecurity, inequality, social inclusion/exclusion, popular participation, social mobilisations, and the rise of indigenous politics. The course compares a variety of theoretical approaches (modernisation, cultural, institutionalist, personal-leadership, and post-structuralist interpretations) in order to explain both change and continuity, and the differences that exist across the countries that have been chosen for in-depth analysis.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- Understand the dominant patterns of political and economic change in Latin America
- Explain the differences in politics across the countries under study and of the contexts within which they operate.
- Apply and compare the concepts and theoretical approaches used to study the region and evaluate its progress.
- Compare and analyse complex problems of politics and development in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Venezuela through written analysis.
- Structure and write a policy brief or essay on a specific Latin American development issue.
Indicative Assessment
Essay or policy brief plan of 500 words (10%) LO 3,5Written essay or policy brief of 2,500 words (40%) LO 1,2,4,5
Final examination, 2 hours (50%) LO 1,2,3,
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures, and 12 hours of workshops and workshop like activities; and, b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Kingstone, Peter. 2011. The Political Economy of Latin America: Reflections on Neoliberalism and Development. New York: Routledge.
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5460 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2637 | 24 Feb 2020 | 02 Mar 2020 | 08 May 2020 | 05 Jun 2020 | In Person | View |