JSIS A 342a/Political Science 342a

Final Examination

Turn in by 5:00pm on March 17.
https://catalyst.uw.edu/collectit/dropbox/jal26/31046


The exam will consist of three parts. Everyone will answer the questions in Part 1. For Parts
2 and 3, you have some choice. As you have had ample time to prepare your essays, make
sure you state your answer (your main argument) clearly and provide supporting evidence
and examples from readings, documentaries, and lectures. For the essays in Parts 1 and 3, I
expect you to use at least 5 sources in each essay (but not for Part 2 short answer). Lecture
notes count as one source, even if taken from different lectures; other sources include films,
articles, books or any other sources from the syllabus (or provided by the instructor). While
it is important to identify a source if using quotes, it is enough to mention the author in the text
(Turits argues that) or use parenthetical citations at the end of sentence where you refer to
text, film or lecture, like this (Lucero lecture 4 2013). There is no need for a list of works cited
or bibliography.

The exam will be turned in on Catalyst, in a single MS Word document. When you save
the file make sure to use your first and last name (e.g. Skippy Snchez Final.doc). Make
sure that your name is on the exam itself (i.e. with your essays). In writing your exam, you
are free to use your notes and texts (but not your classmates).

For Part 1, you have 3-5 pages (double spaced) for your answer. The other essay for Part 3
should not exceed 3 (MS Word, double-spaced, 12-point) pages.

Part 1. Death and the Maiden Question. This answer will be evaluated on creativity,
clear writing, the incorporation of course themes, the use of course materials and
following guidelines above. (Worth 40 points)

Ten years have passed since the characters Gerardo, Paulina, and Roberto last met. Place
them in any of the countries we have studied and write a short sequel to Death and the
Maiden. Use their dialogue and interactions to illustrate any one of the themes we have
discussed in this course (except the themes of truth commissions or pacts.)

JSIS A 342a/Political Science 342a
Final Examination

Turn in by 5:00pm on March 17.
https://catalyst.uw.edu/collectit/dropbox/jal26/31046


Part 2. In a few sentences, define and explain the significance of FIVE of the following
terms. A term is significant for its historical or theoretical importance. (Worth 20 points)


1. Perfect Dictatorship
2. Modernization Theory
3. Skocpols theory of revolution
4. ISI
5. Agency
6. Colonialism



Part 3. Choose ONE. This essay will be evaluated on how well you make a clear and
interesting argument, provide supporting evidence from the film and course
readings/lecture, organize your paper clearly, and write clearly and effectively. (Worth
40 points)

1. How democratic is Latin American democracy? Despite the return of civilian rule and
new constitutions, democracy still faces a vast host of challenges. Describe what you see as
3 of the main factors or issues that have limited the promise of democracy in Latin America.
Provide evidence from at least two countries.

2. Taking the Dominican Republic and Chile as examples, evaluate the following sentence:
For the projects of nation-building, forgetting the past is more important than remembering
it. In your answer, explain why memory is important to contemporary Latin American
politics.

3. How does gender enter into explaining the challenges of contemporary Latin American
politics? Provide examples from at least three countries.

4. Colonialism never ended in Latin America. Do you agree or disagree with this
statement. In your answer, make an argument about specific ways in which colonial
dynamics still shape politics in Latin America. Provide examples from at least three
countries.


Extra Credit (5 points): After taking this course, have any of your ideas about Latin America
its problems, its potential, its peoples--changed? What is the most lasting lesson you take about
the region?