Course Title: Culture and Politics in Latin America

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Culture and Politics in Latin America

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

SOCU2225

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2016,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Elizabeth Kath

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 5084

Course Coordinator Email: elizabeth.kath@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 37.4.15


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

The course provides you with an introductory overview of culture and politics in Latin America, followed by more focused case studies of Cuba, Brazil, Mexico and Australia’s relations with Latin America. You will critically engage with a diverse array of contemporary Latin American themes, from the uncertain future of socialist Cuba to the historical transformations of Brazil’s famous carnival. Exploring socio-political issues as well as incorporating themes of music, dance and film, this course introduces you to one of the world’s most culturally and politically diverse and fascinating regions. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes 

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:  

  • Apply a body of theoretical and practical knowledge of international relations, global cultures, language and economic issues to your professional practice or further study.  
  • Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on knowledge about a rapidly changing world derived from multiple sources, perspectives and values systems.  
  • Apply logical, critical and creative thinking to effectively solve a range of problems associated with policies and programs in international and cross-cultural settings, and assess economic, cultural, social, environmental and political opportunities and risks.  
  • Work professionally and effectively with others in diverse cultural, linguistic and organisational contexts, and to adapt practices and knowledge to local circumstances.  
  • Communicate effectively in international and cross-cultural contexts, and facilitate collaborative partnerships within diverse communities of practice, using appropriate formats, media and styles.  
  • Assist in the identification of needs, the design, planning, resourcing and implementation of research and development projects in international and cross-cultural settings.  
  • Reflect on the experience of personal and professional practice in international and cross-cultural settings and to act in professionalised settings responsibly, ethically and with integrity.

 


Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course you will

  1. Analyse how selected contemporary Hispano-American political and cultural expressions relate to the periods in which they emerged 
  2. Locate and access resources on Latin American history, culture and politics. 
  3. Discuss and critically analyse issues dealing with the intersection of culture and politics in current Hispano American context(s) 


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectures, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. 

There are services and resources available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student website. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment task 1: Class Participation  (15%), CLO2 and CLO3.   

Assessment task 2: 
OPTION A: Class presentation   
OPTION B: (*available in some semesters): Online exchange assignment with a student from a Latin American university.  
(35%) CLO1, CLO2, CLO3

Assessment task 3: 
OPTION A - ‘Explore your local Latin America’ reflective piece  
OPTION B: Essay
(50%) CLO1, CLO2, CLO3 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.