Latin America in the World

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

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 Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and professionally oriented understanding of 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 the region. In addition to the core lectures, guest presentations by senior Australian and Latin American diplomats and officials examine the region’s responses to globalisation and engagement with international institutions. Emphasis is placed on evolving relationships between Latin American countries, the United States, and Australia through case studies of national development, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have:

• gained understanding of how the cultures and histories of Latin America affect international relations;
• developed a perspective of Latin America, past and present, within international diplomatic, political, and cultural contexts;
• built the capacity to locate, critically interrogate, and analyse sources of information on contemporary Latin American politics and business;
• learned how intensifying cross-cultural experiences, personal relationships, and human connections are shaping Latin America’s relations with the world;
• improved academic skills for research, writing and communication;
• gained a sense of how to apply academic knowledge of Latin America to professional contexts.

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

Hurdle Requirement - Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject.

Subject readings will be available on-line.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

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

• be able to critically interrogate and analyse sources describing contemporary Latin American politics and business;

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

• have enhanced their research, writing and communication skills;

• have increased their ability to apply their academic knowledge of Latin America to professional contexts.