International Relations in America 2104-L-D5SMAM

The course aims to present the relations between countries in the Western Hemisphere. In this context, the course aims to demonstrate the process of nation-state formation in the region (different in the US, Canada, and Latin America) and its impact on the specific nature of relations in the region.

The course covers political, economic, and cultural issues and demonstrates how to analyze them from a multifaceted perspective.

The course covers issues related to the formation of nation-states and the difficulties arising from it, regional disputes and conflicts, as well as how to resolve them, revolutions, and their perception by other countries in the region. The United States and its (in)ability to influence Latin American countries play an important role in the analysis.

1. Organizational Activities
2. America as a Region
Nomenclature: America, Latin America, Hispano-America, Luso-America, Anglo-America, etc. Basics of Distinguishing This Region in International Relations
3. Federalist and Centralist Ideas in American Countries
Perception of federalist ideas in American countries and analysis of their functioning.
4. International Disputes and Conflicts in Latin America
Typology and Classification of International Conflicts in Latin America and Their Specific Characteristics.
5. The Formation of the Nation-State in the United States (Turner's Theses, North American Exceptionalism)
6. United States Policy Toward Latin America
The Monroe Doctrine and Its Amendments. The Evolution of the Monroe Doctrine. Basics of US Policy toward Latin America.
7. The Mexican Revolution
The Mexican Revolution as an Example of Modernizing Forces in Latin America. Origins, Course, and Effects. The Impact of the Revolution on International Relations in the Americas.
9. The Cuban Revolution
Origins, Course, and Effects. The Impact of the Revolution on International Relations in the Americas.
9. The Bolivian Revolution
Origins, Course, and Effects. The Impact of the Revolution on International Relations in the Americas.
10. The Guatemalan Revolution
Origins, Course, and Effects. The Impact of the Revolution on International Relations in the Americas.
11. The Colombian Civil War
The Colombian Civil War – Origins, Course, and Effects. An Analysis of the Impact of this Conflict on International Relations in the Region.
12. Venezuela in the 20th Century
Democratic Transitions in Venezuela. The Functioning of the Puntofizismo System. The Rise to Power of Hugo Chavez and the Revolutionary Transformation in Venezuela.
13. The Left-Wing Shift in Latin America
Liberal Transformations of the 1980s and 1990s in Latin America. The Retreat from Liberal Reforms. The Left-Wing Turn in Latin America
14. Contemporary Faces of Regional International Relations
Identifying the most important directions in which international relations in the Americas are evolving at the threshold of the 21st century
15. Coursework

Student Workload Balance (ECTS Points)
Contact Hours: Participation in tutorials in the classroom – workload: 30 hours
Contact Hours: Participation in examination sessions and consultations (during teaching hours) – workload: 5 hours
Independent Study: Studying literature and preparing for current classes – workload: 5 hours
Independent Study: Independent Study and preparing for the test exam – workload: 10 hours
TOTAL STUDENT WORKLOAD (hours): 50 hours
NUMBER OF ECTS POINTS: 2.0 ECTS

Term 2025Z:

Brogan Hugh (2004), Historia Stanów Zjednoczonych Ameryki, Wrocław.
Chasteen John Charles (2007), Ogień i krew: historia Ameryki Łacińskiej, Warszawa.
Dobrzycki Wiesław (1989), Ameryka Łacińska we współczesnym świecie, Warszawa.
Dobrzycki Wiesław (2000), Stosunki międzynarodowe w Ameryce Łacińskiej, Warszawa.
Eakin Marshall C. (2009), Historia Ameryki Łacińskiej, Kraków.
Fijałkowska Alicja (2017), Amerykańska ruletka : historia i współczesność stosunków Stanów Zjednoczonych i Ameryki Łacińskiej, Warszawa.
Gawrycki Marcin Florian (2004), Kuba i rewolucja w Ameryce Łacińskiej, Toruń 2004.
Gawrycki Marcin Florian (2008), Wenezuela i rewolucja (boliwariańska) w Ameryce Łacińskiej, Toruń.
Gawrycki Marcin Florian (2013), Stosunki międzynarodowe na Karaibach : perspektywa postkolonialna, Warszawa.
Gawrycki Marcin Florian (2017), Między ortodoksją a heterodoksją : Ameryka Łacińska wobec kryzysu zadłużeniowego lat osiemdziesiątych, Warszawa.
Gawrycki Marcin Florian (red.) (2006), Ameryka Łacińska we współczesnym świecie, Warszawa.
Knothe Tomasz (1976), Ameryka Łacińska w polityce USA 1945-1975, Wrocław.
Kowalewski Zbigniew Marcin (1978), Guerrilla latyno-amerykańska : szkice z dziejów rewolucyjnych walk partyzanckich XX wieku, Wrocław.
Kula Marcin (2013), Anatomia rewolucji narodowej, Toruń.
Michałek Krzysztof (1999), Na drodze ku potędze: historia Stanów Zjednoczonych Ameryki 1861-1945, Łódź.
Wojsko i społeczeństwo w Trzecim Świecie (1979), Warszawa.

Term 2026Z:

The course covers political, economic, and cultural issues and demonstrates how to analyze them from a multifaceted perspective.

Course coordinators

Term 2025Z:

Marcin Gawrycki

Term 2026Z:

Marcin Gawrycki
Michał Nadziak
Anna Wróbel

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

Upon entering the course, students should have basic knowledge of international relations, be able to identify and recognize processes, and demonstrate the ability to critically read journalistic and scientific texts.

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE
Analyzes knowledge about the historical, cultural, social, economic, military, and other determinants of international relations in the Americas
Has knowledge about the countries of the Americas and their foreign policies
Classifies trends in regional international relations in the Americas
SKILLS
Easily seeks out and analyzes information about international relations in the Americas
Analyzes and evaluates the foreign policies of the countries of the Americas and formulates informed conclusions
Using various sources and techniques, is able to acquire, select, and analyze information needed to solve research problems and specific tasks expected in professional life
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
Has basic preparation for work as an analyst or mid-level specialist in state and local government administration, in international or domestic organizations and institutions cooperating with the countries of the Americas, and in companies operating in local markets or media reporting on events in the region. Is prepared to undertake postgraduate studies degree

Assessment criteria

Formal requirements for passing the course (requirements and achievements necessary to pass the course)
1. In accordance with the University of Warsaw's study regulations, attendance is mandatory. Absences may be excused by presenting a medical certificate.
2. Obtaining a minimum of 51/100 points, including passing the written final exam with a minimum score of 51%.

Grading scale:
• 0 – 50 points: Grade 2.0 (unsatisfactory) – failure to achieve the minimum learning outcomes for the course.
• 51 – 58 points: Grade 3.0 (satisfactory) – minimal, reconstructive fulfillment of the criteria.
• 59 – 65 points: Grade 3.5 (sufficient plus) – correct definition of most terms.
• 66 – 74 points: Grade 4.0 (good) – independent analysis of political structures and processes.
• 75 – 86 points: Grade 4.5 (good plus) – high level of activity, fluent use of literature.
• 87 – 100 points: Grade 5.0 (very good) – outstanding knowledge and originality of the project.

Bibliography

Term 2025Z:

Term 2026Z:

Notes

Term 2025Z:

Due to the university authorities about conducting remote classes in the winter semester, classes in MWT will be synchronous remote, with asynchronous elements. Classes will be credited on the basis of a written examination to be conducted within a specified period.