Diego Vega - Teaching

Comparative Politics (Dickinson College)

What are the best ways for a country to govern itself? This fundamental question is at the core of many political and academic debates. Breaking down that question into its different components leads to discussions about the quality and resilience of democracies, the distribution of power among branches of government, the organization of elections and the rules to determine their winners, the ways available for political participation, and the potential discrimination against the participation of some groups. Countries have implemented multiple different solutions to these issues. This course addresses those topics, drawing from examples across the world. As an introduction to the field of Comparative Politics, it covers the main arguments formulated around these crucial debates in Political Science using a broad perspective that combines canonical readings with recent scholarship. Classes in this course will challenge students to rethink the politics of their own country from a new perspective, using what they learn about the successes and failures of other political systems.

"I enjoyed this course and feel I've learned a lot about the material and the foundations of the topic which will be useful in moving on to more advanced courses in the subject." (Student's response in course evaluations)

Latin American Government and Politics (Dickinson College)

Oligarchs, peasants, labor unions, populist leaders, personalist dictators, revolutionary guerrillas, military juntas, ethnic movements… The most varied characters constructed Latin American unequal and flawed democracies during the twentieth century. This course emphasizes the legacies of socio-economic inequalities in the current politics of the region. From oligarchic rural parties to current clientelist political machineries, we will follow the relationship between political elites and voters. From populism in the early industrialization period to current right and left-wing populists, we will build parallels between charismatic leadership across the decades. From military dictatorships in the Cold War to current military influence over democratic regimes, we will accompany the tension between civilians and armed forces. The theoretical framing of the past will help us understand the problems Latin American countries face today, as well as the paradoxical recent trends of political inclusion associated with democratic backsliding.

"Professor Vega is extremely knowledgable about this topic as well as passionate about teaching it. I feel that his passion and knowledge made this course easier and more enjoyable." (Student's response in course evaluations)

Introduction to Latin American Studies (Dickinson College)

Latin America covers almost eight million square miles, with over 650 million people. The region includes at least 19 countries, from Mexico to Argentina, with peoples that speak Spanish, Portuguese, French, Guarani, Quechua, Nahuatl, and numerous other indigenous languages. These nations share a history of colonization, slavery, violence, and domination that formed a basis for unequal and violent societies with multiple similarities in their political, economic, and cultural organizations. However, each country has distinctive historical, geographical, and social characteristics. The course will draw on various disciplinary approaches to provide students with knowledge of the historical evolution of the region and familiarize them with fundamental societal, economic, and political trends, as well as with prominent cultural features of Latin America.

"This class was an incredible introduction to the topic and has left me wanting to pursue it much more than I thought I would." (Student's response in course evaluations)

U.S. Politics in Comparative Perspective (UT Austin)

This course provides an introduction to Comparative Political Institutions, using the United States as the baseline to discuss the key features of political systems worldwide. After some weeks providing a conceptual and theoretical basis, the syllabus covers the main issues of American Government classes with readings about different countries every week. The discussion of topics like democracy, constitutions, federalism, branches of power, elections, and social movements allows students to question their reified views of politics based on their home country and provides a perspective of how politics could be based on real examples from abroad. I taught this course at UT Austin in 2022 to a class of nearly 50 students.

"This was the most engaging government class that I've had, and both the lectures and course readings were very helpful." (Student's response in course evaluations)

Trade, Immigration, and Drug Trafficking in U.S.-Mexico Relations (UT Austin)

This interdisciplinary course covers U.S.-Mexico Relations from multiple perspectives. It invites students to analyze the nuances of the intricate ties between both countries. The classes and discussions challenge general views available in the public discourse, encouraging the formation of a more informed understanding of topics like the effect of immigration on the American job market, and the impact of American's consumption of drugs on violence in Mexico. At UT Austin, this course is part of an interdisciplinary department that introduces incoming students of all majors to academic life. It attracted many students of Mexican or Hispanic descent, as well as Texans who grew up near the border, which enriched the class with varying points of view. I acted as co-instructor for it in 2018 and 2020, leading discussion sections. In 2022, I adapted the syllabus and took over the course for a full semester after the original instructor had an accident.

"Vega has been one of the most informative and passionate teachers I have ever had and definitely contributed heavily to my overall enjoyment of the course." (Student's response in course evaluations)