Admission requirements
This course is only available for students enrolled in the master programmes MA International Relations and MA Latin American Studies.
Description
This course examines the major issues that shape contemporary foreign policies in Latin America in their historical context. We will examine ideological, strategic and geopolitical factors and explore how they have shaped the development of trends and strategies in the foreign policies followed by Latin American countries into the present. In doing so, we will analyse the divisions as well as the commonalities that characterise the region and consider the roles played by pragmatism and ideology in shaping Latin American foreign policies.
In addition to examining efforts at regional economic and political integration, we will also see how Latin American countries have attempted to position themselves in relation to external actors such as the United States, China, and the European Union.
Course objectives
1) Insight and knowledge about the course topic:
a) To obtain knowledge and insights about the historical events, actors and factors that are determinant in the formulation of Latin American foreign policies;
b) To obtain insights in the ways economic, strategic and political objectives become intertwined in the foreign policies of the Latin American countries;
c) To understand similarities and differences between the foreign policies of Latin American countries;
d) To obtain insights into the ways in which the Latin American countries interact with key foreign actors such as the United States, the European Union, and China.
2) Training of academic skills:
a) Basic research skills, including heuristic skills:
1. to collect and select academic literature using traditional and digital methods and techniques;
2. to analyze and assess this literature with regard to quality and reliability;
3. to formulate on this basis a sound research question;
4. to design under supervision a research plan of limited scope, and implement it using the methods and techniques that are appropriate within the discipline involved;
5. to formulate a substantiated conclusion.
b) Written presentation skills:
1. to explain clear and substantiated research results;
2. to provide an answer to questions concerning (a subject) in the field covered by the course
a. in the form of a clear and well-structured written presentation;
b. in agreement with the appropriate disciplinary criteria;
c. using relevant illustration or multimedia techniques;
d. aimed at a specific audience.
c) Oral presentation skills:
1. to explain clear and substantiated research results;
2. to provide an answer to questions concerning (a subject) in the field covered by the course
a. in the form of a clear and well-structured oral presentation;
b. in agreement with the appropriate disciplinary criteria;
c. using up-to-date presentation techniques;
d. aimed at a specific audience;
3. to actively participate in a discussion following the presentation.
Timetable
The timetable is available on the website.
Mode of instruction
- Seminar
Course Load
Seminars: 24 hours
Study of compulsory literature: 80 hours
Oral Presentation: 16 hours
Written assignments: 160 hours
Total 10 EC: 280 hours
Assessment method
The final grade [100%] is composed of 3 parts:
1) 1 Research Essay (60 % of the final grade)
2) 1 Research Report (25 % of the final grade)
3) 1 Individual Presentation (15 % of the final grade)
To pass the course, the weighted average has to be at least 5.5.
Weighing
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average.
Resit
The resit for the final examined element is only available to students whose mark of the final examined element is insufficient.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used for the seminars. Students are requested to enroll on Blackboard, but only after correct enrolment in uSis.
Reading list
The reading material will be made available by the lecturer via Blackboard together with the syllabus. There will be no need to purchase books.
Registration
This has to be filled out by the key-user of the department.
Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.
General information about uSis is available on the website
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Not applicable
Contact
Remarks
The attendance in this seminar is mandatory. The students may not be absent in more than two (2) sessions. In cases where more lectures are missed, the lecturer may decide to impose additional assignments, or ultimately exclude the student from further instruction.
If you are not able to attend a seminar, please inform the lecturer of the course.