STUDY GUIDE FOR MID-TERM
EXAMINATION
Political Science 146A
Winter 2010
SCOPE OF MATERIAL
Issues and Themes + Historical Trends
Reading:
• Smith, Talons, through chapter 8
• Course Reader, Selections 1-5
Videos:
•“Gringo in Mañanaland”
•“Missing”
•“The Mexican Cartel”
I. DISCUSSION ITEMS (~30 points)
Write a short (two- to three-sentence) statement identifying
and explaining the significance of such items as:
Roosevelt Corollary
José Martí
Alliance for Progress
Rafael Trujillo
Organization of American States
Economic Commission for Latin America (CEPAL)
“dirty war”
Truman Doctrine
Salvador Allende
Good Neighbor Policy
César Augusto Sandino
Manuel Antonio Noriega
Note: 10 required for take-home option
II. ESSAY QUESTIONS (~70 points)
Be ready to write essays on such topics as (two required for take-home option):
1. Describe the concept of “manifest destiny” and its implications for U.S.-Latin
American relations.
2. Describe and analyze the ideological content of Latin American reactions to
the rise of U.S. power during the so-called “imperial era.” Be sure to refer to
specific sources during the course of your answer.
3. What were the principal political effects of the Cold War within Latin
America?
4. Describe the short- and long-term effects of NAFTA.
5. What are the principal causes of drug-related violence in contemporary
Mexico?