This course surveys Latin-American politics, with some emphasis on political economy. Its first half is historical and comparative. We briefly examine the colonial, Independence, and postindependence periods in explicit contrast with the same stages in U.S. history. Then, after considering how twentieth-century popular movements in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico have shaped the political landscape in each country, we discuss the region's elite-sponsored encounter with the global economy and its culture. In the second half of the course we address topics of current interest, including U.S. relations with Cuba and Mexico, narcotics trafficking, religion and politics, women and social change, politics and television, environmental preservation, and race. Format: lecture/discussion format. Requirements: a short map quiz, a 5- to 7-page paper, three 1-page essays, and either a regular final exam or a short final plus another paper. No prerequisites. Open to first-year students with Advanced Placement credit in Comparative Politics. Comparative Politics Subfield