POLS 224: Geopolitics of Latin America

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Class Program

Political Science

Credits

5 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 0 Clinical Hours 0

Weekly Contact Hours

Meets Degree Requirements For

Social Science

Description

The course will explore how Latin America’s historical geopolitical condition is used to expand and assert global power by the United States. It will discuss the challenges Latin America finds in making policies without interference by the U.S. while looking for opportunities to change that reality in a new multi-polar world.

Grading Basis

Graded

Course Learning Outcomes

Develop the ability to think critically to tangible problems in our society and world, as they relate to geopolitical power struggles by the United States (and other powers), within its sphere of influence, Latin America, such as immigration, mass migrations, human rights violations, wars, poverty, global warming, among others.
SLO:
1. Problem Solving/Critical Thinking.
2. Inquiry/In formation Literacy
3. Social Interaction/Cultural Diversity

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate basic understanding of the theoretical groundwork of the discipline: Classical and Contemporary Liberalism, Conservatism, Constructivism, and Realism; Critical Political theories: Marxism, Feminism, and Environmentalism.

Level

Intermediate

Understand the relevance of global problems and their interdependent nature, as well as the direct impacts they have on the well-being of communities around the world, including our own.
SLO:
1. Problem Solving/Qualitative reasoning.
2. Social Interaction/Ethical Conduct.

Program Learning Outcomes

Comprehend and recognize the key elements of the two major classifications of political systems: Democracies and Non-democracies, and their sub-categories.

Level

Intermediate

"Through a mixture of activities (discussions group presentations, written essays, etc.), the course will explore the root causes of Latin America's historical struggle to create policies (foreign and domestic) that reflect its citizens' aspirations, without the United States' interference. However, with the recent rise of a multipolar world (China, Russia, India, Brazil, etc.), Latin America is presented with a unique opportunity to truly exercise its sovereignty, away from the United States of America's shadow and hegemony."
SLO:
1. Communication/Oral Expression/Written Expression
2. Social Interaction/Collaboration/Ethical Conduct

Program Learning Outcomes

Apply knowledge and life experiences to foster personal growth and a desire to be protagonists in the search for the solutions to global problems.
SLO:
1. Problem Solving/Creative Thinking.
2. Social Interaction/Ethical/Cultural Diversity

Program Learning Outcomes

Comprehend and recognize the key elements of the two major classifications of political systems: Democracies and Non-democracies, and their sub-categories.

Level

Intermediate

Gain awareness and sensitivity for distinctive cultures and societies as well as their inextricable interdependence and consanguinity.

SLO:
1. Problem Solving/Critical Thinking
2.Social Interaction/Cultural Diversity

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate basic understanding of the theoretical groundwork of the discipline: Classical and Contemporary Liberalism, Conservatism, Constructivism, and Realism; Critical Political theories: Marxism, Feminism, and Environmentalism.

Core Topics

1. Key actors in international relations: the state, nations, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), International trade, finance, labor, and information.

2. Key theories that guide international political actors such as Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Neoliberalism, Environmentalism, and Feminism.

3. The gaps between the Global North and the Global South in a new multipolar world.

4. The proliferation of armaments, wars and conflicts and their negative impacts on ethnic groups, democracies, and violations of human rights.

5. Gender inequality, violence against women and indigenous peoples in Latin America.

6. Increased concentration of wealth and land in Latin America, due aggressive neoliberal economic policies in the post-cold war period.

7. The global rise of the ultra-right and its impacts in Latin America’s struggling democracies.