Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - IS 329 D100

Special Topics in International Development, Economic and Environmental Issues (4)

Latin America

Class Number: 3311

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students:

  • gain substantive knowledge about major historical periods in Latin America and their relevance for contemporary political economy and society across the region;
  • gain familiarity with social scientific arguments about contemporary Latin America;
  • improve skills in synthesizing social scientific such arguments through writing;
  • improve skills in assessing social scientific arguments through analytic writing.

Grading

  • Analytic discussion papers (4) [8% x the 3 highest scores out of 4 papers] 24%
  • Responses to discussion papers (4) [2% x the 3 highest scores out of 4 responses] 6%
  • In-class midterm exam 30%
  • Writing assignment 30%
  • Class participation 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

We will read sizable portions of the texts below. Electronic versions are available for free through SFU’s Library website.

In addition, we will read selected articles, book chapters, and other textual sources available in digital form online through our Canvas website and/or through the SFU Library website.

REQUIRED READING:

Garay, Candelaria. 2016. Social Policy Expansion in Latin America. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Mahoney, James. 2010. Colonialism and Postcolonial Development: Spanish America in Comparative Perspective. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Munck, Gerardo L. and Juan Pablo Luna. 2022. Latin American Politics and Society: A Comparative and Historical Analysis. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Peter H. Smith and James Green. 2019. Modern Latin America, 9th Edition. New York: Oxford University Press. [please be sure to use the 9th Edition, not prior or subsequent versions]

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.