COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF LATIN AMERICA:DEMOCRACY AND DEMOCRATIZATIONPolitical Science 134AAPeter H. SmithSpring 2011Wednesday 5:00-7:50 p.m. This course will explore patterns and processes of democratization in contemporary Latin America. Specific topics will include: cycles of democracy during the twentieth century, electoral institutions and behavior, economic and social performance of democratic and (and non-democratic) governments, popular opinion about the merits of democracy, changing roles of the United States, and future scenarios for Latin American politics.Required reading:Peter H. Smith, Democracy in Latin America: Political Change in Comparative Perspective (New York: Oxford University Press, 2005)Thomas E. Skidmore, Peter H. Smith, and James N. Green, Modern Latin America, seventh edition (New York: Oxford University Press, 2010)Selections in a POLI 134AA Course Reader [CR].Exams, assignments, and grading:1. There will be a mid-term examination on Wednesday, May 4 (33 percent of course grade)2. A three-hour final exam (67 percent of final grade)3. Students have the option of submitting a 10-to-12 page analytical paper by Wednesday, May 25 (this would count for 30 percent of the course grade, with 20 percent for the midterm and 50 percent for the final exam).COURSE SCHEDULEMar 30: Introduction to Course/Concepts of DemocracySmith, Democracy, IntroductionModern Latin America, chs. 1-2Video: “Missing”Apr 06: Cycles and TransitionsSmith, Democracy, chs. 1-2, 4Modern Latin America, chs. 3, 5 (Mexico, Cuba)Beatriz Magaloni, “The Demise of Mexico’s One-Party Regime” (CR #1)Apr 13: Changing Roles of the MilitarySmith, Democracy, ch. 3Modern Latin America, ch. 13 (political transformation)Apr 20: Presidentialism, Parties, and LegislaturesSmith, Democracy, chs. 5-6Modern Latin America, ch. 6 (Andes)Video: “A Hazy Transparency”Apr 27: Economic Policies and Governmental Performance Smith, Democracy, ch. 8Modern Latin America, chs. 9, 11, 12 (Argentina, Brazil, economic strategies)Video: “Garden of the Forking Paths”May 04: MIDTERM EXAMMay 11: Liberal and Illiberal Democracy/Social Class and Political Satisfaction Smith, Democracy, chs. 9-10Modern Latin America, ch. 4 (Central America)Smith, “The People’s Verdict” (CR #2)May 18: The Politics of GenderModern Latin America, chs. 7, 11 (Colombia, Chile)Mala Htun, “Women and Democracy” (CR #3)Video 1: “In Women’s Hands”Video 2: “The Kidnapping of Ingrid Betancourt”May 25: The Rise of the New LeftSmith, Democracy, chs. 11-12Modern Latin America, ch. 8 (Venezuela)Matthew Cleary, “The Rise of the Left” (CR #4)Jun 01: What Now? Democracy and U.S.-Latin American Relations Smith, Democracy, EpilogueSmith, “Latin America: Exploring Unexpected Opportunities” (CR #5)PAGE PAGE 1PRELIMINARY SYLLABUSWayne CorneliusMatthew Fedder22011-03-24T15:44:00Z2011-04-02T02:36:00Z2011-04-02T02:36:00ZNormal.dotm024202395Microsoft Macintosh Word0195falseTitle1PRELIMINARY SYLLABUSUCSDfalse2810falsefalse14.0000