Week 5: Mock Trial, Break, etc.

Hi all,

This week we will stage a mock trial of Hugo Chavez’s regime in Venezuela, from 1999 until his death in early 2013. Chavez’ regime is often considered to be a classic example of a competitive authoritarian regime, though many people also defend its democratic credentials. Even some people who defend its democratic credentials, however, also worried about its “personalism” – another theme we have explored recently. Was the Chavez regime an authoritarian (competitive authoritarian) regime? Did Chavez accumulate too much personal power? These are some of the questions that will be addressed during the trial.

I recorded a lecture a couple of years back about the Chavez regime which you can consult if you wish to get some background about it before the mock trial. It’s available in the EchoCenter on Blackboard.

Grades

Thanks to those of you who submitted an EBP last week. Grades are now available for EBPs (out of 10), along with rubric scores and comments by one of the tutors.

Everyone who submitted something to the blog (including an EBP) should also get a regular blog grade for last week (out of 2). Almost anything course-related should earn 1 point; “exceptional” contributions may earn 2 points. You can accumulate up to 10 points this way. If you contributed something last week but did not receive a regular contribution grade, please let me know; it’s possible that I may have missed you.

Important deadlines!

No EBPs are due this week, though you may still contribute material to the blog for credit until the usual Friday 5 pm deadline.

People with IDs ending in 3 or 6 have EBPs due after the Easter break (21 and 24 April). Check your specific instructions here.

This week’s tutorials will be devoted mostly to developing your classification system. Come prepared!

Best,

Xavier