Contextualization

Latin America has a history marked by dictatorships and democracies, liberalism and protectionism, economic growth, and recession. Understanding these variations and their correlations is key to comprehending current regional affairs.

In the 20th century, many Latin American countries went through dictatorships that strongly impacted the political, economic, and social spheres. These oppressive regimes, marked by censorship, violence, and political persecution, implemented important economic and social reforms, leaving long-lasting consequences. Studying these regimes, their features, and their legacies is paramount to understanding Latin America's political and economic evolution.

Additionally, Latin America underwent numerous economic transformations, from the adoption of different economic models to policies ranging from trade liberalization to protecting domestic markets. Understanding the causes and social consequences of these transformations is critical to grasping the interconnections between politics and economics in the region.

Introduction

The project titled 'Politics and economics in Latin America' aims to guide student research and analysis on these issues. Over the course of a week, teams will study dictatorships and economic changes in Latin America, develop a presentation to share their findings, and finally write a detailed research paper.

In addition to building historical knowledge, students will cultivate critical thinking, understand the processes of change and continuity, and apply their findings to real-life situations. Students will additionally develop socio-emotional skills such as time management, communication, and problem-solving.

Here are some trusted resources to facilitate the research process:

1. Portal Brasil Escola - Latin American Dictatorships
2. Infoescola.com website - Latin American History
3. Univesp TV Channel - Latin America Program: history, culture, and society

Practical activity

Activity title: Travelling through the History of Latin America

Objective

This activity fosters understanding of the political and economic history of Latin America through collaborative research and presentations delivered in the format of a historical journey.

Detailed description of the project

Students will be divided into three to five-person teams. Each team will research a period in the 20th-century political and economic history of Latin America, assuming the role of historical storytellers. Their goal is to guide the other groups on a journey through Latin American politics and the economy during their selected era.

Time periods must be approved by the teacher to avoid overlaps and allow for a broad coverage of the 20th century. Groups will create slide shows, videos, short plays, or any other innovative format, which they will then present to the class.

Required materials

1. Textbooks, online sources, and videos for research.
2. Computers or recording equipment (for groups choosing to create videos).
3. Materials for producing slide shows or posters.

Step-by-step

1. Day 1: Team formation and time period selection. Students create their groups and choose the period they will investigate, subject to the teacher's approval.
2. Days 2-4: Research. Groups dig into the political and economic aspects of their selected era, with a particular focus on dictatorships, economic policies, structural changes, and social effects.
3. Days 5-6: Presentation preparation. Each team creates its presentation (e.g., slide show, video, play, etc.).
4. Day 7: Presentations. The groups present their time-travel journeys to the class.

Written Document

Aside from their presentation, groups must produce a research paper, written like an article, which must be submitted together with the presentation. The paper should include the following:

1. Introduction: A brief contextualization of the chosen period and its relevance to the understanding of Latin America's political and economic history.
2. Development: Thorough description of the research conducted, sources employed, and key findings. Arguments explaining the main topic, methods utilized, presentation of results, and their discussion.
3. Conclusions: Main points highlighted by the investigation, lessons learned, and conclusions drawn regarding the learning experience.
4. References: Sources consulted by the students to complete the assignment, including books, websites, videos, etc.

Thus, through their research, presentations, and writing, students will not only deepen their understanding of the subject but also hone crucial abilities like research skills, teamwork, public speaking, and report writing.