Latin America in the World

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

Admission to MC-IR Master of International Relations or MC-EMA Executive Master of Arts

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and professionally-oriented introduction to Latin America, as viewed from the perspective of international relations. It gives students an overview of the salient features of Latin American history and culture combined with a practical, expert-delivered summary of current problems and opportunities in Latin America. It examines the responses of Latin American countries to globalisation and their involvement with regional and international institutions. It pays particular attention to the evolving relationship between Latin American countries and America and Europe and looks at countries like Brazil, Argentina and Mexico and their role as major areas of economic growth in the 21 st century. It also introduces students to significant figures within Australia and New Zealand who have diplomatic and business connections to Latin America.

Students who complete this subject will:

• understand the position of Latin America in the world historically and in the present day

• appreciate the diverse histories, cultures and political environments of Latin America and the Caribbean

• be able to understand and critically analyse the political, cultural and business landscape of contemporary Latin America

• understand the key issues and challenges facing Latin America within global politics in the 21 st century

• comprehend Australia’s past, present and future role in Latin America

• be able to critically analyse the debates relating to the international role of Latin America in the 21 st century and the regional contexts within which such debates are formed

A 2000 word briefing analysis 45% (due week 5) and a 3000 word research essay 55% (due in the examination period).

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to pass this subject. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. After two weeks, no late assessment will be accepted. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Subject readings will be available on-line.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:

• understand how the culture and history of Latin America affects international relationsbe able to place Latin America, past and present, within international contexts

• critically interrogate and analyse sources describing contemporary Latin American politics and business

• have a greater appreciation of cross-cultural experiences connected to Latin America

• enhance their research, writing and communication skills

• increase their ability to apply their academic knowledge of Latin America to professional contexts