Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
EU20467 Spanish politics & society 2A: Introduction to contemporary Latin American studies |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 33%, EX 67% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: To introduce students to the study of contemporary Latin American politics and society.
Learning Outcomes: To introduce students to the study of contemporary Latin American politics and society. On completion of the unit students shall be able to: * Analyse the internal and external political forces that shaped Latin American politics in the twentieth century. * Demonstrate understanding of the social changes that occurred in terms of industrialisation, modernisation and class. * Analyse some of the political and social problems that confront Latin America today. Skills: Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, effective communication in the target language and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning are developed in this unit. Content: An overview of contemporary Latin America which examines issues including: the legacy of colonialism, the rise of authoritarianism, ISI, modernisation and dependency, the impact of the Mexican revolution and the role of the US in Central America. Seminars provide a forum for assessed presentations, discussion and consolidation of the lectures as well as providing study skills sessions for argumentative essay writing. The unit is taught in Spanish. |