HISTORY 324
Democratization in Latin America
DR. RONN PINEO
Fall 2011
Office: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 12:10-12:45, and by appointment.
Office Phone: (410) 704-2918
Prerequisite: Hist 122 or the consent of the instruction.
Course Objectives:
The goal of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the complex
issues pertaining to the historical process of democratization in Latin America. Special
attention will be given to the ways in which economic policies and levels of economic
development have shaped the context for democratization in Latin America..
Course Outcomes:
Upon completing the course, students will have learned: major themes in
democratization in Latin American history; how to better formulate historical questions;
how to interrogate historical data and sources; how to support interpretations with
historical evidence; how to evaluate major debates among historians; and how to make
historical arguments using appropriate evidence. You will be challenged in this course to
think independently. You will be expected to participate in classroom discussions. It is
the goal of this course to help you teach yourself to think more critically and hence to think
more clearly. In this course you will learn to challenge received opinion.
Required Texts:
Global Studies, Latin America.
Course Packet: Larry Diamond, et al., “Preface,” and “Introduction,” chapters in,
Democracy in Developing Countries Latin America (1999), vii-70; Evelyne Huber
Stephens, “Capital Development and Democracy in South America,” Poltics & Society
17:3 (1989): 281-352; Cori Madrid, “El Salvador and the Central American Free Trade
Agreement,” Perspectives on Global Development and Technology 8:2 (2009):
189-219.
Available Through Cook Library Home Page:
Articles or entries from: The Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture,
second edition; selected journal articles; and selected on-line sites.
Available on Reserve at Cook Library
Europa World Yearbook
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Supplies
2 Blue books (examination books)
5 scantron form F 1712
several #2 pencils
Grades
1.) Attendance and Classroom Participation (10%)
2.) Quizzes (40%)
3.) Midterm Examination (15%)
4.) Team Oral Report (5%)
5.) Team Paper (15%)
6.) Final Examination (15%)
GRADES
I.
CLASSWORK AND ATTENDANCE
readings.
(10%) Come to class prepared to discuss the
A. Attendance
Excessive absences will seriously affect your overall grade in
the course. Unless special circumstances apply (absences due to university
sanctioned events or documented illnesses), missing classroom time will result in
a lowering of students’ grade for classwork and attendance. Attendance will be
taken at each meeting.
You are expected to be in class each day. Please let the instructor know
beforehand if there is a university sanctioned reason why you will not be in class.
Attendance will be factored into your final grade as a part of the participation
grade; if you are not in class you will receive a zero for that day’s participation.
Attendance, however, is not the only element factored into participation; you are
also expected to be active participants in class conversations.
B. Homework
1. Readings All reading assignments must be completed before you
come to class each meeting. Students are further required to follow
current Latin American political developments by consulting a major daily
newspaper, such as The New York Times or The Washington Post. This
material constitutes the minimal requirements for understanding the
complex phenomena that are the focus of the course. Serious students
should avail themselves of the broad variety of historical literature available
in periodicals, books, and campus library resources, especially in preparing
for the quizzes and the examinations.
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2. Question or Comment Assignments Every meeting you should
mentally prepare a question or comment regarding that week's reading or
lecture material. Your questions must be analytical in nature, that is,
how or why questions, not what or when questions.
3. Special Discussion For the current history discussion in week fifteen
each students will be responsible for bringing in two articles. Each student
will briefly (3-5 minutes) share the articles with the class. Summarize the
leading points from the article, do not just read from the clipping.
II. QUIZZES (40%) Although you will generally be given several days notice prior to
each quiz, unannounced quizzes may be given at any time. The material will be selected
from the readings, lectures, classroom discussions, and other course material. The
lowest quiz score is dropped (in some cases the score dropped will be the zero from a
missed quiz).
Missed Quiz Policy
- In most cases make ups are not possible.
- If you know that you will be missing a quiz, contact the instructor well in advance. It
may be possible in special cases to take the quiz early if circumstances warrant.
- One quiz missed. No makeup. This will be the low score dropped.
- Two or more quizzes missed. See me. One quiz may not be made up. This will be
the low score dropped. A makeup or makeups may be possible for the other missed quiz
or quizzes in special cases if circumstances warrant (absences due to university
sanctioned events or documented illnesses).
Note: See me to preview or review any quiz.
III. TEAM SEMESTER PROJECT
(Oral Report 5%) (Term Paper 15%)
Topic Proposal Teams will consist of 3 members (or 2 members in special cases).
You may request team members, although your final team assignment will be made by
the instructor. Find a subject pertaining to Latin American democratization that is of
abiding interest to you and for which you can obtain readings. (Please avoid nations
listed as the principal classroom case studies.) Write a preliminary topic proposal (nation
and theme) and submit it (along with any request you might have regarding possible team
members) for approval by the end of week two (9-9). Team assignments will be
announced week three (9-16). Work with your team to draw up a one page problem
statement and plan for addressing your core question (typed, double spaced, due week
four (9-23). A one page outline by the team is due the end of week five (9-30) .
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Team Project Reading Proposal Submit no later than the end of week 6 (10-7), a list of
the materials the team intends to read for the project. Please indicate which team
member will be reading each entry. Each team member must select one book (other
than the required texts) and two articles or chapters from various other books on the topic.
All of the readings should be on the same general topic. Select readings that place the
issues of democratization in historical perspective. Look for articles in: Current History,
NACLA: Report on the Americas, Latin American Perspectives, The Latin American
Research Review, The Journal of Latin American Studies, The Hispanic American
Historical Review, and The Americas.
Team Oral\Written Report Each student team will give a brief (20-25 minute)
presentation on their topic. All team members must participate in preparing and
delivering the report. Organize your oral presentation as you would an essay. Sign up
for a presentation date. All student teams must give their report as scheduled unless
special circumstances warrant. If a team is absolutely unable to give the report at the
scheduled time, contact the professor well in advance. If an emergency will force you to
miss your scheduled time, call and leave a message prior to the time of your report.
Otherwise, no make-ups. A written version of the report (typed, doubled spaced, notes,
bibliography, 15 pages) is due the last day of class (12-13) at the start of class and a copy
must also be sent electronically by 11:00 EST to Pineo@towson.edu on the last day of
class. Your paper must develop a sustained argument based on specific evidence
drawn from your readings. No late papers. The written version must take into account
the questions and critique offered of the oral version. Because the paper is due the last
day of class, rewrites are all but impossible. Instead, see me to review and discuss your
outline and rough drafts. The oral report counts for 5% of the course grade; the written
version counts for 15%. All team members earn the same grade unless special
circumstances apply. For example, if a team member fails to work effectively with the
team, this individual will earn the grade of F.
Top Paper Awards All student team papers will be considered for the course "Top
Paper Awards." The award carries 5% extra credit. Selected papers may also be
appropriate for submission for consideration for publication in appropriate Towson
University student magazines or journals.
Required Supporting Material Packets Save all of your reading notes, outlines, and
rough drafts for your paper (if you work on a word processor, print a copy of each of your
drafts as your write). You must turn in all of this material in a separate folder when you
hand in your paper. Your term paper will not be accepted without the required
supporting material packet.
Authorship Conferences You may be directed, at the discretion of the instructor, to take
a brief oral examination to establish your authorship of the paper you submitted. (The
instructor reserves the right to randomly select any student for an authorship conference.)
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If you are directed to take an authorship examination, your attendance is mandatory if
your authorship is to be accepted.
IV. TWO EXAMINATIONS (Mid-Term Examination and Final Examination) (15% each)
Exams may include three sentence answers, paragraph answers (at least a page in a
blue book) and essays (at least five paragraphs). No make-ups (unless special
circumstances warrant). All students must take the exam as scheduled unless special
circumstances apply. If one is absolutely unable to take the test on the scheduled date,
contact the professor well in advance. It may be possible in rare and exceptional cases
to take the exam ahead of time. If an emergency will force you to miss the examination,
please call the instructor at x42918 and leave a message prior to the test.
________________________________________________________________
Extra credit: All students may request the opportunity to write an additional paper for 2%
extra credit. See the instructor to discuss procedures. The last day to request extra
credit is 11/28.
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Grading Scale for Quizzes A = 100% - 93.5%; A- = 93.4% - 90%; B+ = 89.9% - 88.5%;
B = 88.4 - 83.5%; B- = 83.4% - 80%; C+ = 79.9% - 78.5%; C = 78.4% - 73.5%; C- =
73.4% - 70%; D+ = 69.9% - 68.5%; D = 68.4% - 63.5%; D- = 63.4 - 60 %. The semester
quiz total grade is the average of the percentages earned (low score or one missed quiz
dropped), expressed as a letter grade.
General Grading Scale All graded assignments (except individual quizzes) are
expressed in letter grades "A" through "D-". (An "A+" is never possible.) (A = 4.0; A- =
3.67; B+ = 3.33; B = 3.0; B- = 2.67; C+ = 2.33; C = 2.0; C- = 1.67; D+ = 1.33; D = 1.0; D- =
0.67; F = 0).
Course Grade The course grade is determined by the grade point total earned,
weighted by assignment category. For all course grades threshold grading applies:
3.90-4.00 = A; 3.67-3.89 = A-; 3.33-3.66 = B+; 3.00-3.32 = B; 2.67-2.99 = B-; 2.33-2.66 =
C+; 1.67-2.32 = C; 1.33-1.66 = D+; 1.00-1.32 = D; 0.00-0.99 = F. Plus/minus grading is
used for the semester grade.
COURSE OUTLINE
Introduction
- Course Requirements, Grades
Analytical Issues
- Why Study Democratization? How Important is Democracy? Is Democracy the Right
Question?
- Defining Terms and Concepts: Political Economy and Latin American History
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- Looking for Patterns: Opening Analytical Questions
Required Readings:
- Course Packet: Larry Diamond, et al., “Preface,” and “Introduction,” chapters in,
Democracy in Developing Countries Latin America (1999), vii-70.
The Latin American Historical Context for Democratization
- From Restricted Democracy to Hyphenated Democracy
Required Readings:
- Course Packet: Evelyne Huber Stephens, “Capital Development and Democracy in
South America,” Poltics & Society 17:3 (1989): 281-352.
- On-line (through Cook Library Home Page): Karen L. Remmer, “Exclusionary
Democracy,” Studies in Comparative International Development 20:4 (Winter
1985-1986): 64-85.
- Global Studies, Latin America, article #4, 172-176.
The Recent Economic and Social Context for Democratization
- From ISI to Neoliberalism and Beyond
Required Readings:
- Global Studies, Latin America, vii-6, 16-22, 53-60, 116-122, and article #5 (177-180).
- On-line (through Cook Library Home Page): Henry Bruton, “A Reconsideration of
Import Substitution,” Journal of Economic Literature 36:2 (June 1998): 903-936; Jaime
Ros, “Poverty Reduction in Latin America,” CEPAL Review 98 (August 2009): 35-45;
- Course Packet: Cori Madrid, “El Salvador and the Central American Free Trade
Agreement,” Perspectives on Global Development and Technology 8:2 (2009):
189-219.
Comparative Case Studies in Historical Perspective
Venezuela: Hugo Chávez and Venezuelan Democracy
Required Readings:
- Global Studies, Latin America, chapter on Venezuela.
- On Reserve at Cook Library: Chapter on Venezuela in Europa World Yearbook.
- On-line (through Cook Library Home Page): “Venezuela (Independence to the
Present),” portion of entry in Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture.
Ecuador: Restructured Domination, Continuing Uncertainty
Required Readings:
- Global Studies, Latin America, chapter on Ecuador.
- On Reserve at Cook Library: Chapter on Ecuador in Europa World Yearbook.
- On-line (through Cook Library Home Page): “Ecuador (Independence to the
Present),” portion of entry in Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture.
Bolivia: Evo Morales and Bolivian Democracy
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Required Readings:
- Global Studies, Latin America, chapter on Bolivia.
- On Reserve at Cook Library: Chapter on Bolivia in Europa World Yearbook.
- On-line (through Cook Library Home Page): “Bolivia (Independence to the
Present),” portion of entry in Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture.
Cuba: The Castro Brothers and Democracy Cuban Style
Required Readings:
- Global Studies, Latin America, chapter on Cuba.
- On Reserve at Cook Library: Chapter on Cuba in Europa World Yearbook.
- On-line (through Cook Library Home Page): “Cuba (Independence to the Present),”
portion of entry in Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture.
El Salavdor: Democratization After a Long Nightmare
Required Readings:
- Global Studies, Latin America, chapter on El Salvador.
- On Reserve at Cook Library: Chapter on El Salvador in Europa World Yearbook.
- On-line (through Cook Library Home Page): “El Salvador (Independence to the
Present),” portion of entry in Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture.
Other Latin American Case Studies
Required Readings:
- Global Studies, Latin America, chapters on Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia,
Perú, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras,
Panamá, Haiti, and article #14 (203-206)
Conclusions
- Team Reports
- Concluding thoughts on democratization
- Final Examination Review
Towson University Disability Accommodation Statement: Students with special learning
needs may be granted accommodations on examinations and assignments. Students
requesting accommodations must register with Disability Support Services, 7720 York
Road, Suite 232, (410) 704-2638. Written authorization from Disability Support Services
is required before accommodations may be extended.
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History Department Learning Outcomes Statement: The most important learning goals
for this course are: 1.) the improvement of critical thinking skills, 2.) the development of
writing skills, and 3.) achievement of a deeper of understanding of key analytical
approaches to history.
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University, College, and Departmental Policies
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University policy states that a student may not repeat a course more than once without
specific prior permission from the Academic Standards Committee. If you have taken
this course twice before and have not received written permission from the Academic
Standards Committee to take the course a third time, you should not be registered in the
course. Please consult the Registrar's Office about the procedure for petitioning the
Academic Standards Committee.
1. Continued enrollment in this course after receipt of this syllabus signifies your
understanding and acceptance of the definition and consequences of plagiarism
and cheating as defined by Towson University.
The History Department adheres to Towson University’s policy on academic
honesty published in the Towson University catalog. The minimum penalty for
academic dishonesty is an F for the assignment. Please contact the instructor if
you are in any way uncertain of either the definition of these academic violations
and their consequences. For more information, please visit the following
university site detailing the policy, its implementation, and the consequences of
violating the policy.
http://wwwnew.towson.edu/studentaffairs/policies/academicintegrity.asp
2. All work done for this course must be original work for this course. Papers and
other assignments submitted as a part of this course must originate during the
scheduled time period for this course or, in the case of an incomplete, as a direct
response to an assignment made during that time period. Submission of work
that was produced either wholly or partly in fulfillment of another course will be
considered a violation of academic integrity and, therefore, subject to the same
penalties and other consequences as outlined in the Towson University policy on
Academic Integrity.
3. Students are singularly responsible for knowing, and complying with, the
announced final exam schedule. That exam schedule is posted on the Towson
University web site:
http://www.towson.edu/registrar/calendars/exams.asp
The scheduled final exam time might not be the same as the regularly schedule
class time.
4. Continued enrollment in this course AFTER THE FIRST WEEK OF THE TERM
indicates a) your agreement to complete the course within the chronological
confines of the term as indicated in the university calendar for Fall 2011 and b)
your acceptance of all terms and policies as indicated in this stipulated in this
syllabus. The grade of I is given to students by their instructors when verifiable
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circumstances prevent students from completing a course within the term. The I
grade should be given only in cases where students have completed most of the
term and have a reasonable expectation of successfully completing the work
required.