Argentina

Course Overview: This immersive course, based in Argentina’s vibrant capital, Buenos Aires, delves deeply into the historical, political, and social processes involved in its mixed past, complicated present, and a future brimming with potential and uncertainty. 

Through interactions with a range of affected communities, active fieldwork, and collaborative design sessions, we will explore the pivotal moments and strategies that led to the restoration of democracy in Argentina, and how they may be applied elsewhere in the world.

Course Objectives

• Understand the historical context of Argentina, with a focus on its military rule during the period from 1976 to 1983, and the current Libertarian government of President Javier Milei.
• Analyze the key events and figures involved in the transition from dictatorship to democracy. The U.S. relations with Argentina and Latin America weigh heavily here.
• Examine the role of civil society, international relations, and internal dissent in undermining the military regime.
• Study the aftermath of the dictatorship, including the pursuit of justice for human rights abuses, the establishment of democratic institutions, and its expression across various art forms.
• Engage with local activists, historians, and political analysts to gain diverse perspectives on Argentina’s democratic journey viewed by some as under duress and at risk.
• Learn collaborative design and apply it to prototype a future for Argentina – and perhaps other locations in the world.
• The range of competing narratives and proposals for addressing related problems.
• Apply the collaborative design process to solve problems relating to Argentina and perhaps elsewhere.
• Enjoy Buenos Aires and the surrounding areas, renowned worldwide for a vibrant social scene, rich tradition of arts, cuisine & music – and of course, fútbol (soccer)!