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PS 134AA: Comparative Politics of Latin America

This study guide provides comprehensive coverage of key topics in Latin American politics, with a focus on electoral democracy, public opinion, and recent political trends. Includes sample discussion items, short essay topics, and long essay questions.

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PS 134AA: Comparative Politics of Latin America

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  1. PS 134AA: Comparative Politics of Latin America Study Guide Spring 2012

  2. FINAL EXAMINATION • 7:00-10:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 13 • Closed book exam • No cell phones, I-pods, whatever • Coverage: cumulative--entire course, but with emphasis on second half • Bring blue books and writing materials

  3. FILMS AND VIDEOS: • “The Battle for Chile” • 2. “Garden of the Forking Paths” [Argentina] • 3. “In Women’s Hands” [Chile]

  4. BASIC TEXTS • Smith, Democracy in Latin America: Political Change in Comparative Perspective, 2nd edition (2012), entire • Skidmore, Smith, and Green, Modern Latin America (2010), virtually all

  5. ADDITIONAL READINGS • Magaloni, “Demise of Mexico’s One-Party System” • Htun, “Women and Democracy”

  6. COUNTRY BRIEFS • Mexico (Díaz-Cayeros) • Brazil (Desposato) • Argentina (Saiegh) • El Salvador (Denny) • Chile (Smith) • Venezuela (Mares)

  7. STRUCTURE OF EXAM PART I. DISCUSSION ITEMS [approximately 10 out of 13] PART II. SHORT ESSAYS [some choice available] PART III. LONG ESSAY [one out of two or three]

  8. SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION ITEMS • Open list • Concertación • Bureaucratic-Authoritarian Regime • Evo Morales • EZLN • “Aló, Presidente” • Partido Justicialista/Justicialist Party • Unidad Popular • Lula • COPEI • Washington Consensus

  9. SHORT ESSAY TOPICS 1. Has the political condition of Latin American women improved under electoral democracy? In what ways? To what degree? 2. What do public opinion surveys suggest about popular commitment to democracy in Latin America? 3. What explains the durability of contemporary democracy in Argentina and Brazil? 4. What are the defining characteristics of the recent “pink wave” in Latin American politics? Do you think that it is likely to endure? Why or why not?

  10. LONG ESSAY QUESTIONS • It has been said that dysfunctional (non-functioning) channels of popular representation represent the most serious challenges to democratic development in Latin America. Do you agree with this assessment? Why? Why not? • Is “illiberal democracy” the future of Latin American politics? Present arguments for and against this idea. Which side do you favor and why? • 3. Describe and analyze processes of democratization in Latin America during the course of the twentieth century. How has democracy changed over time? What have become its defining characteristics?

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