Latin American and Caribbean Politics (9567.1)

This unit will introduce students to the politics of Latin America and the Caribbean and examine the causes and effects of the region's development. In many ways, Latin American & Caribbean politics defies any sort of coherent logic attempting to bring it together, a fact that is much reflected in the field of Latin American studies. Instead of approaching the field in pursuit of one central theme, students will come at the topic from multiple directions and different perspectives.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe the geographic, demographic, economic, and cultural context within which Latin American political systems are situated;

2. Explain the region's lack of development with reference to contending theories of political economy: modernisation, structuralism, dependency, and neo-classical;
3. Describe the process of democratisation, with special focus on institution-building that promote democratic participation and accountability; and
4. Acquire multiple perspectives on and discuss current issues facing the region, including trade and economic integration, the war on drugs, immigration, and globalisation.

Graduate attributes

2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems

Prerequisites

675 Politics and Democracy OR 9548 Introduction to Politics OR 8296 Introduction to Politics and Government OR 9549 Introduction to Western Political Thought

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

NONE.

Equivalent units

NO.

Assumed knowledge

None.