This course is designed to provide an overview of Latin America's significant political and economic transformations during recent decades. Throughout its history, the region has undergone various political systems, including military regimes and variations of democracy, as well as economic models such as commodity export and innovative developmentalism. In this course, we will examine the impact of these political and financial systems on contemporary societies, with a particular focus on topics related to poverty, corruption, and inequality. The classwork will involve weekly readings, investigations, and mini-debates designed to foster critical thinking and also develop interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational skills in Spanish at an advanced level.