Political Science 4383

 

LATIN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

 

Dr. Drury                                                                                                                         Spring, 1998

 

This course is a comparative analysis of Latin American political systems with special emphasis on the roles played by the major political actors in the process of national development.  Particular attention will be directed to Brazilian and Mexican politics.

 

The course grade will be determined by the student's performance on three essay examinations and the quality of a library research paper.  The research paper should be a 10-20 page (typed, double-spaced) analytical study of some aspect of contemporary Latin American politics.  The paper should be developed around a plausible hypothe­sis and should include an adequate review of the available literature on the topic. The format should follow the American Political Science Association Manual of Style. The paper is due on April 22, 1998.  A brief outline that includes the major hypothesis is due on March 6.

 

TEXTS:

       Skidmore, Thomas E. and Peter H. Smith, Modern Latin America, (Fourth Edition). New York:   

       Oxford University Press, 1997

 

       Camp, Roderic Ai, Politics in Mexico, (Second Edition). New York: Oxford University Press, 1996

 

       Schnieder, Ronald M.,Brazil: Culture and Politics in a New Industrial Powerhouse. Boulder:

       Westview Press, 1996

 

LECTURE OUTLINE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS

 

I. A Survey of Latin America

   

     A. The Physical and Demographic Setting, Skidmore and Smith:  Prologue

 

     B. Colonialism, Independence and Frustrated Development,  Skidmore and Smith: Chapter 1

 

     C. Patterns of Growth without Change, Skidmore and Smith: Chapter 2

 

     D. In the Shadow of the Giant, Skidmore and Smith: Chapter 11

 

     E. Culture, Politics and the Prospects for Modernization,  Skidmore and Smith: Epilogue

 

II. Conservative Growth and Change in South America

 

     A. Argentina, Skidmore and Smith: Chapter 3

 

     B. Chile, Skidmore and Smith: Chapter 4

 

     C. Peru, Skidmore and Smith Chapter 6

 

     D. Brazil

  

1.      Geography and Culture, Schnieder: Chapters 1, 7 and 8;

 

2.      Historical Roots of  "O Sistema",  Schnieder: Chapters 2 and 3; Skidmore and Smith: Chapter 5

 

3.      From the Military Republic to the “New Republic”, Schnieder: Chapters 4 and 5

 

4.      Neo-Liberal  Policies for Development, Schnieder: Chapters 6, 7 and 9

 

III. Revolution and Reaction in the North

 

A.     Colonialism and Revolution in the Caribbean, Skidmore and Smith: Chapters 8 & 9

 

B.     Neo-Colonialism in Central America, Skidmore and Smith: Chapter 10

 

    C.   Mexico

 

1.      The Mexican System, Camp: Chapters 1 and  2; Skidmore and Smith: Chapter 7

 

2.      Cultural Values and Leadership, Camp: Chapters 3, 4, and 5

 

3.      The Challenge to Corporatism, Camp: Chapters 6, 7, and 8

 

        4.  Neo-Liberal Policies for Development, Camp: Chapters 9 and 10

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES:

          Feb.  16: First Hour Exam (Topic I)

          Feb.  24: Last day for penalty free drop or withdrawal

          Mar.   6: Research Paper Outline Due

          Mar. 14-22: Spring Break

          Mar. 25: Second Hour Exam (Topic II)

          Apr.   9: Last day to drop or withdraw if passing

          Apr.  22: Research Paper Due

          May    6: Final Exam

 

OFFICE HOURS. My office is O-80 in the Maes Building (880-8528). 

              My office hours are:

              Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:45-8:45; 10:00-11:00

              Tuesday, Thursday: 9:30- 10:45

              And most afternoons by appointment.