This seminar explores contemporary issues of social and public policy in Latin America through complexity, systems, glonacal, policy diffusion, policy analysis, cartography/mapping, comparative, case-study, and other theoretical/methodological approaches. At the beginning of the course, participants review general policy concepts and analysis models, to be followed by the historical, economic, political, and cultural context of public and social policy in the region. Later on, the class moves to examine several policy areas such as education, employment, poverty alleviation, public administration, social security, health, minorities, and violence. Using complexity and systems perspectives it is possible to understand how social and public policy influences the development and practice of fields such as education and so it could be influenced by those fields. Disciplines such as economics, history, public health, political science, anthropology, and sociology shape and help to make sense of social and educational issues and vice versa. This seminar is an opportunity for students in education, international affairs, cultural studies, and other disciplines to engage in interdisciplinary deliberation on policy issues in this region and fulfills the requirements for certificates in Latin American studies. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the study of social and public policy in Latin America, by reviewing the dynamic historical, social, economic, political, cultural, and organizational aspects of this region with a specific focus on contemporary policy issues. The ultimate goal is to provide future leaders, public officials, and analysts a general foundation necessary to design social and public programs that meet the needs of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Number of Credits
3
Course prerequisites
None
Jorge Delgado