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Chile 2008 Courses and Descriptions
Introduction to Chilean Language/Culture (LD) – 1 hour credit
Required course. A brief introduction to Chile with special lectures and presentations in Chilean history, politics, economics, Spanish language survival skills, music, art, and geography. Includes some field trips.
Contemporary Latin American Culture Through Controversial Films About Mexico (UD)
Prerequisite: A minimum of one 3000-level Spanish course.
World Regional Geography (UD)
Alongside the Pacific Ocean and within the high Andes Mountains of Chile, expand your understanding and knowledge of Latin America and other regions around the world. Class discussions, projects and field trips will aid you in appreciating regional cultures, places, and landscapesfrom a geographic point of view.
Biogeography and Ethnobotany (UD):
Chile becomes a living laboratory for you to learn, understand and investigate the natural and anthropogenic patterns and processes that have influenced the distribution and evolution of plant and animal species. In addition, you will learn about the historical and current relationships betweenpeople and plants, from the traditional uses of indigenous plants to the modern-day biopiracy of herbal medicines and folk knowledge.
Modern Andean History (UD):
This course examines the historical roots of the variety of Andean countries (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile) from the early nineteenth century until the present day. It will pay special attention to the region’s independence movements and the formation of nation-states in the nineteenth century but also the various struggles over rights, land, sovereignty, economic development, democracy, and modernization in the twentieth century. We will learn about the Andean past by examining historical documents and recent scholarly works, interviewing eyewitnesses to key historical events, viewing thought-provoking historical films and documentaries, visiting historical sites, and experiencing the region’s rich cultural heritage through the prisms of Chilean music, sports, foodways, and dance.
World Civilization II (LD):
This is a survey of the history of the world from the eighteenth century to the present. We will pay special attention to the rise of modern nationalism, industrial capitalism, imperialism, the causes and consequences of world wars during the twentieth century, and the spread of Western ideas, and the impact of these in a variety of contexts with particular emphasis paid to Latin America. We will learn about these broader historical movements by examining historical documents and recent scholarly works, interviewing eyewitnesses to key historical events, viewing thought-provoking historical films and documentaries, visiting historical sites, and experiencing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Elementary Spanish II (LD)
Spanish grammer, pronunciation, and oral comprehension. Introduction to the culture and civilization of the Spanish speaking world.
Intermediate Spanish I (LD)
Emphasis on Hispanic culture using literary and non-literary texts with continued development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Intermediate Spanish II (LD)
Continuation of Intermediate Spanish I. Promotion of further awareness of Hispanic culture using literary and nonliterary texts with continued development of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
Practical Conversation (UD)
Prerequisite: Intermediate Spanish II
This course stresses the expansion of effective listening comprehension and speaking skills through culturally and linguistically appropriate activities dealing with contemporary representations of Spanish-speaking cultures on film. By the end of this class, students will be able to conduct a full conversation within the context of having lived in a Latin American country. All films will be shown in their original language and classroom discussion will be conducted in Spanish. Grading criteria: oral exams and written critiques; written evaluation of cultural events; presentation; homework; and participation.
Contemporary Latin American Culture Through Controversial Films About Mexico (UD)
This course aims at providing the student with a panoramic appreciation of Latin American culture though controversial films about Mexico. Emphasis will be placed on underlying artistic/stylistic tendencies that can be said to underscore notable historical moments as represented on film. Issues of identity and stereotyping will also be discussed alongside the use/misuse/abuse of documentary and historical material when reconstructing past events. By the end of this class students will be able to appreciate Latin American culture as a result of in-depth analysis of controversial films about Mexico. All movies will be shown in their original language and classroom discussions will be conducted in Spanish. Grading criteria: written exams; term paper; interview; cultural events and critiques; journal; homework; and participation.
Faculty for the 2008 Chile Program
Dr. James Anderson, Office of International Education, Armstrong Atlantic State University (program director)
Dr. Bill Deaver, Department of Spanish, Armstrong Atlantic State University
(site director)
Dr. Nancy Hoalst Pullen, Department Geography, Kennesaw State University
Dr. Jesse Hingson, Department of History, Georgia College/State University
Dr. Ernesto Silva, Department of Spanish, Kennesaw State University
Dr. Ana Torres, Department of Spanish, Armstrong Atlantic State University
Professor Julio Parada, Department English, University of La Serena
(local campus program coordinator)