Admission requirements
To be in possession of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. This course is open to master, research master and PhD students of Dutch universities.
Description
As one of the most economically developed democracies in Latin America, Chile is often regarded as a successful case of democratic consolidation. In recent years, popular discontent with the political elites, declining levels of trust in democratic institutions, sluggish economic growth and social unrest have exposed the shortcomings of Chile democratic success. A major social unrest in 2019 upended the political system and triggered a constitution writing process to replace the authoritarian era text. The process ended in late 2023 in failure. Although democratic institutions have survived, popular discontent with the elites, a shrinking middle class, insufficient social mobility and lack of opportunities have fueled support for populist political alternatives, including nativist and anti-immigrant candidates. This course will explore the challenges to democratic consolidation faced by Chile and the response by the political elites to the popular discontent with how democracy works in Chile today. The course will tackle leading issues and challenges affecting the consolidation and practice of democracy in the Latin American region.
Course objectives
The course will combine theoretical and methodological tools from political science, political economy, sociology and history to explore political and economic developments in Chile. We will use the case of Chile to explore the leading issues that affect Latin American democracies today and the challenges to democratic representation and democratic governance. In class discussions will stimulate critical reflection and societal awaressnes, while practicing oral communication skills. The theoretical and methodological tools and critical reflection will be applied in a research paper.
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Assessment method
Research paper (100%)
Resit
Revided version of the research paper (100%)
Inspection and feedback
Students may review the results of the evaluation of their work with the lecturer. For this they can contact the lecture to arrange a meeting.
Reading list
The reading list will be made available through Brightspace towards the beginning of the course.
Registration
Enrolment through My Studymap is mandatory.
General information about uSis is available on this website
Registration Contractonderwijs and Exchange
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of Contract teaching (with taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the Chili Visiting Chair coordinator Dr Soledad Valdivia Rivera (info at the top right).
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Reuvensplaats
Remarks
Attendance is mandatory (students are allowed to miss a maximum of two lectures). Depending on the extent to which this maximum is exceeded, the lecturer may decide to impose additional assignments on the student.