POSC 350, section 2 – LATIN AMERICAN
POLITICS (Fall 2007)
Dr. Charles Blake
Maury 207 – 568-6344 – BLAKECH@JMU.EDU
OFFICE HOURS: M 2:30-4, Tu 2-4, W 2:30-4 and by appointment
BLACKBOARD WEBSITE: Click HERE to go to Blackboard for POSC 350
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BLACKBOARD WEBSITE: Click HERE to go to Blackboard for POSC 350
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TAKE-HOME ESSAY #1ESSAY TOPIC: One of the central issues in Latin America over the past two decades has been the shift in many countries from state capitalism toward market capitalism. Now that this shift has taken place in many respects, the debate has shifted toward the desirability (or lack thereof) of increasing government intervention in the economy. In this debate, Argentina is referred to by some as a potential model for the Americas of how a more market-oriented approach could be preferable while others have used the Argentine experience to highlight problems with the market-oriented approach. Before leaping into the larger regional debate, let’s try to analyze the politics of the Argentine experience. If you were an adviser for the Peronist candidate in the Argentine presidential elections in 2011, would you be arguing for an increase or a decrease in the role of the market in Argentine life? Clearly, either change in economic policy would provide both political benefits and political disadvantages during the campaign and, if elected, during the president’s term. What are the principal political advantages and disadvantages that frame your recommendation? In the first paragraph, state your overall position and make it clear which aspects of government policy you are proposing to make more market-oriented or less market-oriented. Regardless of your position on this question, in building your argument you must include consideration of three elements of Argentine political life during the years 1983-2007:
There is no single, "correct" answer to this question. I want you to build a concise yet detailed argument for your point of view. You must take a position on one side or the other of the question posed. No matter which way you argue in your essay, be sure to include at least three major points in favor of your position and three GOOD counterarguments. Do not waste everyone's time by including the counterarguments that are the easiest to attack while avoiding more persuasive positions. Your essay should make it clear why your reasons are more convincing than the counterarguments. Use specific information from course materials on Argentina and on economic policy-making in Latin America to build your analysis. This essay must be typed and double-spaced. The essay cannot be longer than two pages; the maximum number of characters (including spaces) is 4800. Please include a separate title page with your name, course number, etc.; do not write your name on the two pages containing the essay itself. You are neither required nor encouraged to consult outside readings in preparing this essay. You are required to write a concise, yet comprehensive essay that reflects your thoughtful consideration of course readings and discussions. Please manage your schedule so that you have time to proofread and to revise your essay. Everyone wins when you revise... DUE DATE: 11:15am on Friday, October 12th**Submit a print copy AND submit an electronic version by the
deadline.**
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