GV3DLA-Drugs, Development and Democracy in Latin America

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr Thomas Grisaffi

Email: t.grisaffi@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module examines the debate over development and modernity as it has evolved in relation to Latin America.  The course examines the turn to neoliberal governance, its impacts and popular responses.

Aims:

This module examines the debate over development and modernity as it has evolved in relation to Latin America.  The course examines the turn to neoliberal governance, its impacts and popular responses.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Describe and analyse a range of development issues and debates in contemporary Latin American societies.


• Understand different theoretical approaches regarding the turn to neoliberal governance.


• Evaluate how neoliberalism has changed the nature of poverty and brought about or deepened different forms of social exclusion.


• Critically evaluate a range of approaches to tackle poverty including attempts to empower the poor through an emphasis on popular participation, micro-credit, multi-cultural reform and land titling.


• Understand and assess the structural and social forces animating the relationship between politics, violence and crime.


• Demonstrate research skills and a critical engagement with contemporary political issues in Latin America


• Independently articulate arguments relating to these issues in discussions and essays.

Additional outcomes:

The module aims to encourage the development of skills of critical reading and the presentation of arguments. This will be achieved principally through the presentations and group discussions.

Outline content:

This module critically explores issues surrounding drugs, democracy and development in Latin America. The first part of the course will address major theories and approaches in the study of development and will consider the debate over development and modernity as it has evolved in relation to Latin America. The second part of the course examines the turn to neoliberal governance in recent decades, with a focus on political and economic transformations. We will review how this shift has changed the nature of poverty, and brought about or deepened different forms of social exclusion. Topics that might be covered in the module include: neoliberalism and the reconfiguration of the state, race and ethnicity, indigenous movements, citizenship and democracy, gangs and the war on drugs, theories of post-development, informal and illicit economies, peasant struggles, land grabbing and rural change, gender and micro-credit, contested sovereignties, and urban marginality. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Each week will consist of two sessions: (1) a presentation or lecture by the module convener or guest lecturers, (2) a student-chaired seminar during which a group of students give a presentation on the week’s topic.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Seminars		10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		60
Advance preparation for classes		20
Preparation for presentations		10
Preparation for seminars		10
Essay preparation		60
Reflection		10
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written assignment:  Essay 80%

Shorter written assignment:  Blog 20%

 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

The resit will be a coursework assignment in late August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2019