This is where you will post your insights and observations about Latin American politics, economics and society. Your post will reflect your interaction with one of the online resources listed at the end of the textbook chapter assigned for the week. Many of these include primary data on the issue under discussion. You may also look for resources at the “Latin American Politics Multimedia Resource Guide” hosted by the University of Southern California.

Go over the resources and select a story, data set, report, or anything else that you find interesting. Engage with the resource, click on the “+ New” link above, select “post” (you must be logged in for this to work) and then do the following:

1) Describe the story, data, report findings, etc. The description should be a summary, and NOT an exhaustive repetition of what you found. One paragraph should suffice.

2) Analyze the information you acquired and make arguments about it. Do this by referring back to the textbook, and by including concepts, theories, and ideas included therein. How is your post connected to what we are learning? Does it reinforce, expand upon, or contradict anything included in the textbook? This should be about two or three paragraphs that make separate and complete arguments.

3) Finish your post with a roadmap for the future – this is where you think forward about what your analysis suggests. Does your analysis suggest questions for future research? Does it suggest potential solutions to a problem? Does it suggest opportunities or challenges? Does it suggest we should be optimistic/pessimistic? One paragraph.

4) Make sure to include a link to your source. NO ADDITIONAL RESEARCH EXPECTED OR REQUIRED, but if you do so, cite additional sources properly. Also include visual aids such as graphs, photos, or videos.

As stated in the syllabus, every student is expected to provide feedback on blog posts. Before class, read teh post and provide a comment.