• Course Code: 01:590:298
• Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring
• Credits: 3
• SAS Core Certified: SCL
• Cross Listed: 01:595:298:01

• Click to View Latin American Studies Courses
• Click to View Course Schedule

• Course Code: 01:590:299
• Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
• Credits: 3
• Cross Listed: 595:299:01 and 050:200:01

• Click to View Latin American Studies Courses
• Click to View Course Schedule

• Course Code: 01:590:299
• Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
• Credits: 3
• Cross Listed: 595:312:01 and 790:312:01

• Click to View Latin American Studies Courses
• Click to View Course Schedule

• Course Code: 01:590:402
• Semester(s) Offered: Spring, Summer
• Credits: 3

SEMINAR DESCRIPTION

In this interdisciplinary seminar, students will study the impact of neoliberal globalization on economic development, democracy, and culture in Latin America. Drawing insights from economics, political science, sociology, international relations and history, we will examine views on globalization and neoliberalism, and the key actors who promote and resist this development strategy for the integration of Latin American economies and societies into the global market. We will use empirical data, both qualitative and quantitative evidence, to explore such questions as: is globalization a force for equity or for exploitation; does globalization enhance or undermine human security, democracy, and social equality; does globalization promote development or underdevelopment, poverty or affluence; does globalization modernize and homogenize or marginalize and disintegrate national/local cultures?

SEMINAR LEARNING GOALS

Upon completion of the seminar students will demonstrate:

• An understanding of complexities of the contemporary debate about the nature and effects of neoliberal globalization in Latin America;
• The ability to critically assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of various perspectives on neoliberal globalization;
• The ability to integrate theoretical and empirical materials;
• The ability to make articulate, concise, persuasive and well-paced presentations in small groups;
• The ability to write articulately, concisely and persuasively;
• The ability to engage in constructive discussion and debate.

TEXTBOOKS

Godfrey T. Vincent and Joe B. Jimmeh (eds.). 2014. Contending Perspectives on Neoliberal Globalization. San Diego: Cognella Academic Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-62131-794-4

Eduardo Silva. 2009. Challenging Neoliberalism in Latin America. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 978-0-521-87993-4

William I. Robinson. 2008. Latin America and Global Capitalism: A Critical Globalization Perspective. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN:-13: 978-0-8018-9039-0

EVALUATION

Class Grade: 20%

(Daily attendance and participation in class discussions)

Oral Presentations: 20%

(Preparation of questions for assigned readings and leading class discussions)

Midterm Exam: 20%

(The exam consist of take-home essays)

Final Research Paper: 30%

(The research paper consists of a critical analysis of the impact of neoliberal globalization in a selected issue-area)

Paper Presentation : 10%

(Presentation of research findings to the class)

Please coontact Dr. Geisa M. Rocha (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you have questions about the seminar. 

• Click to View Latin American Studies Courses
• Click to View Course Schedule