CENTRAL AMERICA REALITY SEMINAR (2-6 CREDITS)This required seminar, based upon lectures, directed readings, field trips and group discussions, provides students with the historical, political, economic, social and cultural background necessary for an understanding of Latin American reality. As part of their studies, students embark on a 17 day field visit to Nicaragua and Honduras. This trip destination varies each year depending on safety, weather conditions, and other situational factors. SPANISH LANGUAGE (2 to 6 CREDITS)The center offers beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of Spanish instruction. The number of credits earned depends upon the student's familiarity with the language. It also includes different types of practices for different levels. The intermediate students may have Spanish fieldwork. Besides intensive classroom instruction, students learn the language by living with Costa Rica families and becoming immersed in the culture. OPTIONAL GENDER and ENVIRONMENTAL SEMINARS (3 CREDITS each seminar)In order to explore other vital areas of Latin American life, students may take optional seminars in Women's Studies and/or Environmental studies. The seminars generally consist of about eight weeks of lectures, readings, discussions and field trips. INDEPENDENT STUDY (3 to 6 CREDITS)Individualized field experiences may involve direct research in service training, internships and formal courses. Examples of projects topics that are often chosen include: Cultural Anthropology or Sociology, Spanish Language and Literature, Development and Underdevelopment, Comparative Political Systems, Tropical and/or Organic Agriculture, Nutrition and Public Health, Journalism in Social Change, Appropriate Technology, Aquaculture and Reforestation, Workers and Trade Unions, Role of Cooperatives in Development, Religion and Change, Refugee Programs, Human Rights, Peace Studies, Comparative Economic Systems, the Plight of Children, Popular Education, Women's Sties, Dance, Theater and Ethnomusicology. Students may also take courses at the University of Costa Rica's National University. |