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This course examines the economics of Latin America in contemporary comparative perspective. Starting with an overview of long term trends in growth and structural transformation, the course moves on to consider the theoretical approaches which economists have adopted to understand development processes in the region. The introductory phase of the course completed, the next three lectures survey the key macroeconomic themes of fiscal policy, monetary policy and the external balance. The difficulties countries in the region have faced in maintaining macroeconomic stability is an important theme of the course and is referred back to again and again in subsequent sessions. An equally important topic, that of poverty and inequality, forms the basis for the next section of the course. The remainder of the course deals with the challenge Latin America now faces as it struggles to compete in the global economy. Teaching on the course comprises a combination of formal lectures and student presentations/group discussions. Each student (in conjunction with one or two colleagues) will be expected to prepare and present one 20 minute presentation at some point during the course. The presentations will be followed by group discussions led by the course lecturer. Broad indications of themes for the talks are provided in this outline. More precise details of the talk topics – along with guidance on sources and formats – will be given in week one of the course.