Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.230.346

Economic Sociology of Latin America

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.02)

This course will offer an overview of Latin America’s economic reality as an intertwined process of economic and political domestic factors within the constraints of the world economy. Latin American development will be analyzed from a historical perspective. The first half of the semester the course will focus on the analysis of the economic developmental patterns starting in the middle of the 19thcentury to the populist era in the middle of the 20thcentury. In the second half of the semester, we will analyze in depth the contemporary neoliberal approach to development. Globalization is the force that drives economic, social and political processes in Latin America. The course will include case studies as well the social conflicts generated by the increasing polarization of the society. Students will be exposed to important sociological theories.

Spring 2013

(4.22)

Spring 2014

(3.94)

Spring 2015

(3.9)

Spring 2013

Professor: Magda von der Heydt-Coca

(4.22)

The best aspects of this course included the engaging lectures and the intriguing material that has not been explored much in the field of research. Some students felt the instructors repeated lectures. One suggestion was to focus more on how the two components of the course – Migration, Development – 262correspond with one another. Another suggestion included requiring a certain degree of student participation in discussions. Prospective students should know that former pupils found the course content intriguing, but felt the workload was also very demanding.

Spring 2014

Professor: Magda von der Heydt-Coca

(3.94)

Prospective students who desire to take an introductory class that covers the economic, political and sociologic structure of Latin America should enrol . Many students found the readings and class discussion to be interesting, and the visual aspects that the professor used during lecture were valuable. The extra class periods required to view movies was unreasonable and unfair to students, and at times students said the professor was rude, disorganized, and showed favoritism. It was suggested that a new professor be appointed and that there be more order brought to the course.

Spring 2015

Professor: Magda von der Heydt-Coca

(3.9)

The best part about this course was the knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate professor. This course focused on the socioeconomic development of Latin America. Many students found this course to be disorganized with constantly changing deadlines and unclear expectations for assignments. This course could be improved by making class more interactive and having a clearer syl abus. Prospective students should know this course is writing and reading intensive. Extra mandatory class sessions not scheduled on ISIS are required to view movies.