ARTSC 1498 - PUBLIC AND SOCIAL POLICY IN LATIN AMERICA

Minimum Credits: 3
Maximum Credits: 3
The interest in studying policy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has grown in recent decades. Public policy refers to the principles and decisions that guide government actions. Social policy, as a component of public policy, focuses on strategies and programs to guarantee and provide protections for the most vulnerable groups in a society with the goal of achieving equality and equity. Policies are influenced and determined by contextual factors such as international trends, the social fabric, political structures, legal systems, interest groups, and particular situations. This lecture explores public and social policy issues in LAC from three fronts/parts: the region as a unit of study, individual countries, and policy topics. At the beginning, the course reviews policy theory and concepts, as well as the historical, societal, cultural, economic, development, and political contexts of LAC policy. The second front looks at policy issues in individual LAC countries to understand specific conditions that make them relevant and to study policy solutions that could serve as examples on policy making and implementation. The third component explores policy areas such as health, social security, education, employment, poverty alleviation, public administration, environment, food security, at-risk groups, and security. The instructor will offer students a pool of topics to choose from based on their fields of interest and will emphasize those established in the Sustainable Development GoalsâSDGs. In addition to the weekly homework that could be included in their portfolios, students will write final in-depth case-study assignments on a policy issue in a LAC country that could qualify as capstone papers for a LAC Certificate. The Public and Social Policy in Latin America course is mainly intended for advanced undergraduate students interested in careers in international affairs, government, policy analysis, political science, social justice organizations, or related disciplines in LAC. Some Spanish and/or Portuguese reading proficiency would be desirable.
Academic Career: Undergraduate
Course Component: Lecture
Grade Component: LG/SNC Elective Basis

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