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BLM A21 - Markets of the Americas

Faculty
Edward Ashbee and Kevin McGovern
Course Coordinator
Merete Borch
Prerequisite/progression of the course
The course is based on the course Politics and Society. Some knowledge of political institutions, systems and concepts - as well as the historical development – of the Americas is recommended.
Aim of the course
Participants will acquire a knowledge and understanding of basic economic concepts, the economic development of the American continents during the twentieth century, and the process of regional sub-regional integration. Students will also become familiar with the use of economic and business statistics and gain an appreciation of the issues and problems facing Danish and international companies as well as agencies and organizations operating in the American markets.
Course content, structure and teaching
The course begins with an introduction to economic concepts such as growth and productivity. This is followed by a study of the US and Latin American economies.
The programme includes coverage of Import Substitution-Industrialization (ISI), the Latin American debt crisis, the structural adjustment programmes, the new regionalism, and - within the US - the New Deal era, the development of the post-war economy, 'Reaganomics', and the period of sustained expansion in the latter half of the 1990s.
The final weeks consider - and assess - NAFTA, the FTAA, and the process of regional integration.
Type of examination, exam aids and assessment
Mid-term essay and a written examination at the end of the term.
Teaching methods
The course uses lectures and group activities. There is an emphasis upon student participation.
All the teaching is in English.
Course literature
There is a course compendium available for sale in the CBS bookshop. It includes essential reading and guidelines for further study.
Other reading:
  • Tom Kemp (1990), The Climax of Capitalism: The US Economy in the Twentieth Century, Longman.
  • Patrice Franko,(2003), The Puzzle of Latin American Development, Rowham & Littlefield
  • Further reading, appropriate weblinks and discussion questions for each class are posted on SiteScape, the CBS intranet.

Last updated by Webmaster - CBS International 01/12/2009