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CS92PROD
Sociology of Economic Change: Latin American Responses to Global Capitalism
SOC 292
Fall 2009 not offered
Crosslisting: LAST 292

Global markets, imperialism, and global capital have shaped the relative wealth of the Americas for centuries. Latin America today has the highest levels of income inequality in the world and a great diversity of economic structures, from Cuba, one of the last socialist states, to Chile, a model of free-market export-led development. Latin America is an ideal case to study the influence of imperialism, state vs. market control of the economy, and current trends such as neoliberalism, free trade, and fair trade on economic development. This class examines the rise and fall of economies in Latin America since the conquest with a focus on developments from World War II to the present. We will explore conflicting theoretical perspectives such as world-systems theory, dependency theory, and neoclassical economics. We will read about the influence of class, culture, local elites, labor movements, multinational development institutions, and global capital. We will critically examine the influences of colonialism, import substitution, industrialization, the shifts between democracy and dictatorship, austerity measures, and the current left turn in Latin American politics. We will end this class with an in-depth look at the debates around free trade, fair trade, international solidarity movements, worker cooperatives, and traditional labor movements.

Essential Capabilities: Effective Citizenship, Intercultural Literacy
Effective Citizenship: In this class we will assess competing arguments about the social and political issues of globalization, free trade, fair trade, union activism, the influence of free markets, the current turn to the left in Latin America, and international solidarity movements. The themes in this class develop the students abilities to analyze and develop informed opinions on the political and social life of one's local community, one's country, and the global community, and to engage in constructive action if appropriate.

Intercultural Literacy: This class examines the Latin American history and current events in Latin America. In addition to looking at Latin America historically we also will examine global influences on Latin America's economic and social development. This course will help students develop the ability to understand diverse cultural formations in relation to their wider historical and social contexts and environments. In addition students will be required to examine these issues from competing ideological perspectives.
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS SOC
Course Format: Lecture / DiscussionGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: SOC151 OR SOC152
Fulfills a Requirement for: (LAST)(SOC)

Last Updated on DEC-02-2024
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