POSC 327 - Political Systems of Latin America

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-UD-D
Political development, instability, and revolution in a comparative framework. Case studies of political development in major countries; group conflicts, ideology, administrative problems, and the role of violence.

Strongly Recommended Preparation: Upper division status (greater than 60 earned semester units) and completion of lower division Area D1-3 requirements.
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 with grade C- (CR) or better.
Equivalent Quarter Course: POSC 3280.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UD-D - Upper Division Social Sciences
Course Typically Offered: Fall ONLY

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of political institutions and culture of Latin America including the current political situation, the historical shaping of the present.
Demonstrate the ability to make a comparative assessment of Latin American politics using competing theoretical perspectives on the process of political change & economic “development” in the Third World.
Demonstrate the ability to use social science methods and analysis as well as write advanced college-level English by researching and writing an 8-10 page paper including an annotated bibliography.
Demonstrate accomplished oral communication skill by effective participation in class discussion, group work, and a presentation of the research project.
Exhibit effective teamwork skills in small-group activities.

UD-D. Upper-division Social Sciences Learning Outcomes

analyze how power and social identity affect social outcomes for different cultural and economic groups using methods of social science inquiry and vocabulary appropriate to those methods;
demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply accurately disciplinary concepts of the social or behavioral sciences; and
demonstrate an understanding of and ability to effectively plan or conduct research using an appropriate method of the social or behavioral sciences.