Module Identifier IP38820  
Module Title INTERNATIONAL POLITICS OF LATIN AMERICA  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator Dr Stephen Hobden  
Semester Intended for use in future years  
Next year offered N/A  
Next semester offered N/A  
Course delivery Lecture   16 Hours (16 x 1 hour)  
  Seminars / Tutorials   8 Hours (8 x 1 hour)  
Assessment Case study   1 x 1,500 word country profile   30%  
  Essay   1 x 4,000 words   70%  

Brief description


This module examines how Latin America has been influenced by international forces, as well as how developments within the region have, in turn, had an impact on the international system

Aims


The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the Latin American region and to its role in international politics.

Content


We begin our examination of the region by looking at some of the key constraints within which Latin American states and their citizens must operate: the colonial heritage; the global economy; and the foreign policy of the United States. We then examine a number of issues which have international significance: patriarchy; regional organisation; the environment; religion; indigenous peoples; and the international trade in illegal drugs. On a lighter note, we will also find time to consider the development of Latin American music. We conclude by assessing the significance of the Zapatista rebellion in Southern Mexico, and considering the possible futures that the people of Latin America confront. In association with the module I will also run an (optional) series of film evenings. Feature films will be used to illustrate some of the issues discussed and to give an idea of what life is like in a variety of Latin American countries.

Learning outcomes


By the end of this module you will be able:
· assess the legacy of the Spanish and Portuguese colonial period.
· describe US interests in the region and how these have been promoted and protected.
· describe the differential impact of international forces on gender relations in the region.
· discuss the impact of the drugs trade.
· describe the role of inter-regional co-operation and security organisations.
· assess the extent of environmental degradation and its implications


10 ECTS Credits

Transferable skills


You will have the opportunity to develop, practice and test a wide range of transferable skills on this module. Throughout the course you will be able to practice and enhance your reading, comprehension and thinking skills, as well as basic numeracy and time management. In lectures you will be able to practice listening and note taking abilities as well as analytical skills. Preparation for seminars will encourage your research skills, with particular reference to making use of information technology. In seminars opportunities will be provided to practice analytical, listening, explaining, debating and problem solving skills. There will also be many occasions to develop team-working and presentation skills. The Country Report will give you experience of report writing. Guidance will be given as to what constitutes a good report, and this exercise will encourage you to make use of a range of resources to gain information about a particular country and to analyse that data. The essay will encourage you to exercise your abilities in independent research, writing and use of IT.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Duncan Green. Faces of Latin America.
Eduardo Galeano. Open Veins of Latin America.