MODULE OUTLINE: THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF LATIN AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT
This module provides a long-term historical account and analysis of Latin America's formation and
integration into the modern world system. It investigates patterns of growth and distribution of
wealth over different periods of time and between countries. The module investigates how these
patterns have influenced and have been shaped by three interrelated factors-domestic social
structures, state formation and integration to the evolving world system. Key issues to be discussed
in the module include: the Iberian political economic lethargy; attempts at constructing cohesive
state structures and state-led economic development; the influence of rural and urban social
movements on the political-economic structures of different countries; gender-dynamics of
development: an analysis of what was the 'pink tide' and a discussion of the past, present and future
of developmental dynamics 'from below'.
Assessment:
1 x 1,000 word essay outline
1x 1,000 word book/article review
1x 5,000 word term essay
Course outline.










1 - Theories of Latin American Development
2 - From the Iberian Conquest to Revolutions of Independence
3 - Nationalism, Populism and National Development
4 - The Struggle for Socialism
5 - The Rise of Neoliberalism in Latin America
6 - Gender and Development in Latin America
7 - Agrarian Social Movements
8 - What was the Pink Tide?
9 - Essay Preparation Week
10 - Development from Below?
Dr Benjamin Selwyn did PhD fieldwork in Brazil throughout the 2000s which led to his book
‘Workers, State and Development in Brazil’ (2012). He is also author of The Global Development
Crisis (2014.