Historia Económica en América Latina

The course examines the development of the economies of Latin America from the late nineteenth century to the present day. A comparative approach is adopted and special attention is given to the major economies of the Northern and Southern Cones of Latin America (Venezuela, Brazil, Chile and Argentina). The course also examines the economic structures of Latin America - its rural (1870 -1930) and industrial (1929-1950) economy and the external and internal conditions leading to a period of relative stability (1960-1970) and mounting foreign debt. It highlights the role of the International Monetary Fund's austerity plans In the 1980s and the social crises that followed. It also looks at the rise of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) in the 1990s, and their results in terms of output growth, as well as neo-liberal macroeconomic adjustment and labor market flexibility. The 21st century under the leadership of Brazil, offers new horizons in which Latin America looks set to consolidate a united bloc. It has already strengthened the democracies and economies of the region with the creation of UNASUR. The role of the IMF, the reduction of foreign debt, the redistribution of wealth, employee participation in profits and media relations with the government are just some of the debates that we will be exploring.

English course title: Latin American Economic History

The University of Belgrano utilizes a 45-minute contact hour whereas the United States higher education system utilizes a 50-minute contact hour. All University of Belgrano courses represent the 45 contact hour amount and an estimated US credit calculation based on the contact hours. Each University of Belgrano transcript will include the number of hours per week and the weeks in the semester, so US universities may calculate the appropriate number of US credits for students.