The main objective of this course is to explore various traditions in Latin American political theorizing. Generally, the canon in the discipline of political theory/philosophy is limited to European and North American contributions. Moreover, most courses in Latin American politics focus on empirical problems. In this course we shall address these two concerns by examining key texts in the history of political theory in the Spanish-American continent. In this way we will see how the unique experience of Latin American theorists draws on both indigenous and European sources to create something new. We will begin by considering the work of Bartolome de las Casas, Francisco de Vitoria, and other Catholic thinkers of the Colonial period. As we consider Latin American republican thought, we shall see how Simon Bolivar was influenced by the European continental republican tradition. We will explore the thought of Jose Marti, Rodo, and Sarmiento. The Marxist tradition, in dialogue with the European experience, will also be examined as we read Mariategui and the later work or Ernesto Che Guevara and Fidel Castro Ruz. Liberation theology will be assessed through the work of Gustavo Gutierrez. We will end the course with selections of more contemporary work by Vargas Llosa, Hernando de Soto and other neo-liberals, as well as the subaltern women's writing of Domitila Chungara and the post-modern `indigenismo' of Subcomandate Marcos. Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: class participation, a presentation, and a final paper of your own choosing based on agreement with instructor. No Prerequisites Enrollment limit: 39 (expected: 20).

Hour: VON VACANO