Think about a course that you are currently most excited about teaching. Why is this an important course? How does it deepen one’s understanding of the world?

Latin American Politics: Inequalities, Democracy and the Rule of the Law.

It helps students develop skills to understand the impact of different forms of inequality and the role of politics in shaping them as well as to assess these theories empirically. It also provides them with a critical understanding of Latin American political dynamics and their connections with the US, both in terms of political influence and parallel developments seeking to expand rights and reduce inequalities.

What are the five most salient materials from your course, and why is each important?

I use novels (Lovesick, The Underdogs, Santa Evita) and movies (The Battle of Chile Part 1, No), which I think are crucial to show the cultural impact of the political phenomena we study (the Mexican revolution, Peronism, the polarization prior to the 1973 military coup in Chile, the transition to democracy). I think these are important for that reason. I also like to use academic text and link them to current debates but I don’t have a favorite.

What is a dream course that you’d be interested in teaching in the future?

I would love to teach about environmental politics in Latin America.

What is a book that changed your life as a high schooler?

100 years of Solitude and The Name of the Rose.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to new teachers?

To teach about what you are passionate, so that you love your material and can seek to teach your students not only the skills but also how valuable you think it is what you are learning.