In the first part of the course, we will examine critically some of the major theories of development. We will then assess how well these, and other, theories explain the economic and political outcomes in Latin America. In addition, students will be expected to participate regularly in class discussion and to make an in-class presentation of their research paper. It assumes no prior coursework in the area, and does not require a reading knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese. It presents a brief historical overview of the region as well as a discussion of current social and economic problems.
More time is spent on democracy, but the other three are also analyzed.
The last part of the course deals with US-Latin American relations.