Latin America is a dynamic region dominated by a complex set of issues. This module examines the forces and events that have shaped the culture and politics of contemporary Latin America. The lectures in this module are arranged and organised along specific themes: an overview of politics of populism, the role of the Latin American left in shaping the public discourse, democracy and dictatorship, the emancipatory role of religion, the culture of everyday violence, politics of dependency and development, the political economy of migration and the role played by external actors in shaping its cultural, economic, social and political identity. This module provides students with an opportunity to develop their general as well as specialist knowledge of major issues in contemporary Latin American society and politics.