MEXICAN POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT
POLC 4310-01, POLC 4890-11 (Optional Service Learning)
Fall 2014
MWF 11:00-11:50
101 Norman Mayer
Professor: M. Casey Kane Love
Telephone: 862-8315
Email: mkane1@tulane.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 11:30-1:30, Monday and Wednesday 2-3
Office/Mailbox: Norman Mayer 307
Course Overview
Why study Mexico? First, due to its geographic proximity and shared cultural and economic
ties, no country in the world has such a direct impact on the United States as Mexico. Second, from
a theoretical standpoint, Mexico is an interesting case study for students of comparative politics
because it embodies a wide array of historical trends and contemporary political processes that can
be contrasted with other developing countries. These include the legacies of colonialism, civil war,
revolution, ethnic and class divisions, state corporatism, experiments with state and market-driven
economic models, a successful democratic transition, struggles with democratic consolidation, and
domestic policy challenges of poverty, inequality, and insecurity.
The aim of this course is to explore Mexico’s current political reality and the historical legacies
that continue to shape its political system. The first unit of the course examines the political history
of Mexico starting with Spanish colonialism, the turbulent post-independence period, and the pivotal
1910 Mexican Revolution. The second part of this course will explore Mexican politics under the
ruling political party borne out of the 1910 Revolution—the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI).
The third section of the course considers the forces that led to Mexico’s democratic transition with
the victory of PAN candidate Vicente Fox in 2000, and the challenges facing political system as it
struggles to consolidate its democracy under reinvigorated PRI rule. The fourth section of the course
explores the various models of economic development embraced by Mexico, and the opportunities
and challenges currently facing Mexico’s economy on the twenty-year anniversary of NAFTA. The last
section of the course explores relations between Mexico and the United States, with special attention
paid to the two most pressing issues in the bilateral relationship—narcotrafficking and immigration.
The course will give in depth attention to Mexico’s current security crisis, and will consider he ways in
which narcoviolence threatens and it perpetuated by Mexican political actors and institutions as well
as the role that the U.S. plays in triggering the violence.
Course Objectives and Goals
The goals of this course are as follows:
 To apply the major theories and approaches of comparative politics to the case of Mexico.
 To understand the historical factors that contributed to contemporary Mexican political
development.
 To understand the structure and nature of Mexican politics under PRI rule and the forces that
contributed to the PRI’s staying power.
 To explore the causes of Mexico’s democratic transition and the challenges of democratic
consolidation.
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To comprehend the challenges and opportunities presented by Mexico’s adoption of a free
market economy.
To understand the main issues and challenges in the bilateral relationship between U.S. and
Mexico, as well as the main policy measures utilized to address these issues.
To understand the historical and contemporary causes of Mexico’s current security crisis.
Learning Outcomes and Methods of Assessment
POLITICAL SCIENCE LEARNING OUTCOME
Basic knowledge of the methods, approaches, or
theories used in accumulating and interpreting
information in the subfield of Comparative
Politics.
An understanding of the fundamentals of
comparative politics.
Critical thinking skills or the formulation and
defense of a thesis using evidence to structure
and evaluate normative political arguments and
analyze empirical political statements.
Students should develop an understanding of
citizenship in the local, national, and global
community.
Students should be able to demonstrate research
skills and utilize the proper methodologies
necessary to write a research paper in the
discipline of political science.
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Research project and exams.
Exams and research project
Research project
Participation in service learning project
Research paper
Course Texts
Emily Edmonds-Poli and David A. Shirk. Contemporary Mexican Politics. Rowman & Littlefield, 2012
Peter Watt & Roberto Zepeda. Drug War Mexico: Politics, Neoliberalism and Violence in the New
Narcoeconomy. Zed Books 2012
**Students should consider purchasing hard copies of these texts rather than electronic versions
since computers and tablets are not allowed in the classroom (see classroom technology policy
below).
In addition to these texts, students are responsible for numerous other articles and book excerpts
that are available via the mytulane/blackboard website under “Course Documents.”
Course Requirements
Class Participation and Attendance (10%)
Students are expected to be present, prompt, and to participate. Attendance is required
unless there is an extenuating circumstance (e.g. contagious illness, family emergency that requires
travel, etc.). I take attendance everyday. Excessive absences will be reported to your dean and will
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be severely detrimental to your grade. Arriving late is extremely distracting both to your professor
and classmates. Excessive tardiness also will adversely affect your participation grade.
There is a substantial amount of reading for this course. Reading loads average about 100
pages per week, and students are required to read all of the assigned readings. A significant portion
of your grade will be based on your demonstrated familiarity with the readings during class
discussion, thus you should come to class prepared to discuss the primary arguments and findings of
all assigned readings. You should feel free to express your opinions during class discussions, but
students who score highly in this realm are able to effectively reference information presented in the
readings. If you come to class everyday but do not participate in discussions, you will receive a “C”
for your participation grade.
Discussion Questions (10%)
Approximately one-third of the course will be devoted to class discussion of the readings. In
order to ensure that students give adequate thought to the readings and to stimulate class
discussion, you are required to post at least one discussion question on to the blackboard website for
8 of the 13 sets of readings. (Discussion days are labeled as such on the course calendar.)
To receive full credit, questions should: a.) include a specific reference or quotation from at
least one of the assigned readings, b.) demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the arguments
presented in the readings, and c.) be posted by 9:00am sharp the day when the readings will be
discussed. Last postings will not be given credit; make-up opportunities for this assignment will not
be given (even in case of illness).
Research Paper/Service Learning Final Project (30%)
Students who are not doing service learning will write a research paper (approximately 12-15
pages, double-spaced) on a very specific question related to Mexican politics. Final papers are due
Monday, November 24.
You are also required to submit a research paper proposal consisting of the following: a.) a
two paragraph introduction to your research paper. The first paragraph should provide a basic
overview of your topic and a clear thesis statement. The second paragraph should describe how your
paper will be organized; b.) a working bibliography that includes at least 5 scholarly sources.
Although you may utilize readings assigned for this course in your final paper, assigned readings will
not count toward the 5 sources required for your paper proposal. This proposal is due on October
17 and is worth 10% of your final research paper grade.
ENLACES Service Learners
Your final project grade will be based on various assignments associated with the creation of
your radio program including your attendance at radio production workshops, background paper,
host intro, interview transcriptions, radio program script, actual radio program, and final reflection
paper. Descriptions and due dates for these assignments can be found in the Enlaces Service
Learning Information Page.
Midterm Exam (25%) and Final Exam (25%)
The format of these exams will be discussed in class. Material on the exams will be drawn
both from readings and lectures. Makeup exams will not be given. Make your travel plans
accordingly.
Policy on Technology in the Classroom
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1.) This classroom is a tech-free zone. Laptops are not permitted unless you have received an
official accommodation from ODS. (If you want to refer to assigned readings during class
discussions, bring hard copies of articles to class or notes that you’ve taken on assigned
readings.)
2.) Students should not text in class. Students seen texting in class will receive a 5 point
deduction from their participation grade every time they are observed texting.
Additional Course Policies
1. Hard copies of papers are required. I will not grade papers emailed to me. Late papers will be
accepted, but will be penalized by one letter grade per class period late.
2. For all written assignments, you will be graded not only on the quality of your argument, but
also on how well your paper is written. If you feel that you are not a strong writer, please
make an appointment to meet with a writing tutor at Tulane’s Academic Success Center
(success@tulane.edu). I am available to look over rough drafts of papers during my office
hours for advice on content-related issues. I will not review drafts of papers that are emailed.
You must see me in person with paper in hand during office hours.
3. Grades are non-negotiable. They will be changed only in the event of an arithmetical error. I
am always available to discuss your performance and answer questions, but I will not haggle
over an assigned grade.
4. Please familiarize yourself with the Tulane Honor Code
(http://college.tulane.edu/honorcode.htm). Violations of the honor code include: cheating
on exams, plagiarism (i.e. “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and
thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work”),
unauthorized collaboration, and multiple submissions (submitting the same paper for more
than one course). I take the Honor Code seriously and I expect you to do the same. Violations
of the honor code will be reported to the dean.
5. Tulane is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities.
Students who need accommodations must be registered with the Office of Disability Services
and follow their procedures for obtaining assistance. See:
http://tulane.edu/studentaffairs/disability/index.cfm
3.) This course will address issues that are controversial to some. My goal is to create an
atmosphere characterized by mutual respect in which students feel comfortable speaking
their views, even if other members of the classroom community fundamentally reject those
views. Your grade will not be adversely affected by opinions expressed verbally or in written
assignments, even if I disagree with them.
Course Calendar (subject to change)
Mon., Aug. 25
Wed., Aug. 27
Fri., Aug. 29
Course Introduction
Introductions and distribution
of syllabi/Service learning
presentation
Profile of Mexico
Mexico’s Political Development: Historical Legacies and PRI Dominance
Political History: Nineteenth
 Edmonds-Poli and Shirk, Chapters
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1, 2, 3
Wed., Sept. 17
Fri., Sept. 19
Century
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
Political History: Mexican
Revolution
La Dictadura Perfecta: The
Rise of the PRI
La Dictadura Perfecta (cont.)
Discussion: Political
History/Rise of PRI
Structure o Government
Discussion: Structure of
Government
State and Society
Discussion: State and Society
Mon., Sept. 22
Wed., Sept. 24
Political Culture
Discussion: Political Culture
Fri., Sept. 26
Discussion: Corruption and
the Rule of Law
 Edmonds-Poli and Shirk, Ch. 7
 Camp, “Contemporary Political
Culture”
 Edmonds-Poli and Shirk, Ch. 11
 Zabludovsky, “Official Corruption in
Mexico”
 Botello and Rivera, “’Everything in
This Job Is Money’”
Mon., Sept. 29
Wed., Oct. 1
Fri., Oct. 3
Mon., Oct. 6
Movie: Herod’s Law
Movie: Herod’s Law
Movie: Herod’s Law
MIDTERM
Mon., Sept. 1
Wed., Sept. 3
Fri., Sept. 5
Mon., Sept. 8
Wed., Sept. 10
Fri., Sept. 12
Mon., Sept. 15
 Edmonds-Poli and Shirk, Ch. 5
 Quinones, “The Bronx”
 Edmonds-Poli and Shirk, Ch. 8
 Grayson, “Mexico, the PRI, and
López Obrador: The Legacy of
Corporatism”
Mexico’s Democratic Transition and the Quest for Democratic Consolidation
Wed., Oct 8
Social Movements and the
 Hamilton, “Mobilization and
Breakdown of the PRI
Resistance”
Fri., Oct. 10
FALL BREAK
 Lawson, “Building the Fourth
Mon. Oct. 12
The Mexican Media
Estate”
Wed. Oct. 15
Discussion: Social
Movements and Media
Fri., Oct. 17
Electoral Reforms—research
 Edmonds-Poli and Shirk, Ch. 6
paper proposals due
 Crespo, “Party Competition in
Mon., Oct. 20
Political Parties
Mexico”
Wed., Oct. 22
Fox’s Victory and Mexico’s
 Hellman, “Opting for Fox”
Democratic Transition
 Schedler, “The Democratic
Fri., Oct. 24
Discussion: Electoral
Revelation”
Reforms, Parties, and the
 Research paper proposals due,
Democratic Transition
10/17 (non-service learners)
5
Mon., Oct. 27
Wed., Oct. 29
Fri., Oct. 31
Mon., Nov. 3
Wed., Nov. 5
Fri., Nov. 7
Mon., Nov. 10
Wed., Nov. 12
2006 and 2012 Elections:
Challenges of Democratic
Consolidation
Discussion: 2006/2012
Elections and the Challenges
of Democratic Consolidation
 Sabia and Kohler, “The 2006
Mexican Presidential Election:
Democratic Development or
Democratic Debacle?”
 Arias-King, “Mexochism: Mexico Is
Likely to Disappoint, Again”
 Wood, “Mexico’s Democratic
Challenges”
Mexico’s Political Economy
State vs. Market Models of
 Edmonds-Poli and Shirk, Ch. 9, 10
Economic Development
 O’Neil, “Cross-Border Dreams”
State vs. Market Models of
 Cypher, “Energy Privatized: The
Economic Development
Ultimate Neoliberal Triumph”
Discussion: State vs. Market
Economic Integration with the  Weisbrot et al, “Did NAFTA Help
US: NAFTA
Mexico?”
Economic Integration with the  Cameron and Wise, “The Political
US: Maquiladoras. Film
Impact of NAFTA on Mexico”
screening: Maquilapolis
 Fuentes, “Malintzin of the Maquilas
Discussion: Economic
Integration with the US
U.S.-Mexican Relations: Historical Tensions and Contemporary Challenges
Fri., Nov. 14
U.S.-Mexican Relations
 Davidow, “The Ambivalence”
Mon., Nov. 17
Discussion: U.S.-Mexican
 Starr, “Mexican Foreign Policy”
Relations
 O’Neil, “Reenvisioning U.S.-Mexico
Diplomatic Relations”
Wed., Nov. 19
Narcoviolence
 Watt and Zepeda, Drug War Mexico
Fri., Nov. 21
Discussion: Narcoviolence
(entire)
Mon., Nov. 24
Final Radio Programs and
Research Papers due
Wed., Nov. 26
THANKSGIVING
Fri., Nov. 28
THANKSGIVING
Mon., Dec. 1
Immigration
 Hamilton, “Mexicans on the Move”
Wed., Dec. 3
Discussion: Immigration
 Sisco and Hicken, “Is U.S. Border
Fri., Dec. 5
Course Wrap Up
Enforcement Working?”
 Pew, “Net Migration from Mexico
Falls to Zero—and Perhaps Less”
FINAL EXAM: Saturday, December 13, 9-12
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