COURSE OF STUDY, 18 CREDITS

Depending on each student’s previous coursework and language level, she/he will be placed into one of the two following language-and-culture courses (Span 206 or Span 210).

SPANISH 206: GRAMMAR AND CONVERSATION (6 Credits)

Together with a review of key grammar topics of previous language classes, this course takes advantage of the native setting and on-site resources to further develop communicative skills in Spanish. The strong emphasis on students’ presentations and interactions with Mexican peers are geared toward a greater fluency in oral Spanish. This class is especially oriented to students who have completed Span 204.

Instructor:UDLA faculty.

SPANISH 210: GRAMMAR AND WRITING (6 Credits)

While expanding communicative skills, this class focuses on compound sentence grammar and structures beyond the sentence level, and includes an intensive practice of different registers and varieties of writing in Spanish. Written work and in-class discussion focus on relevant aspects of Mexican and Latin American social reality. This class is especially oriented to students who have already completed 205.

Instructor: UDLA faculty.

All participants will take the Spanish 259 and Spanish 261. Both classes count towards Latin American Studies major or concentration.

SPANISH 261: THE OLD AND THE NEW IN CONTEMPORARY MEXICO (6 Credits)

This course presents a survey of political, social, economic, and religious institutions and movements of contemporary Mexico, with attention paid also to their historical background. Classes are supplemented by visits to relevant sites and by lectures by local intellectuals when appropriate.

Instructors: UDLA faculty.

SPANISH 259: IMAGES OF MEXICO IN LITERATURE AND POPULAR CULTURE (6 Credits)

Readings and discussion in this course focus on the cultural construction of “lo mexicano” (Mexicanness). Particular attention is paid to some cultural aspects of the Puebla-Veracruz area, and the human experiences and the ideological issues arising from the Mexico-USA cross-border situation.

Instructor: José Cerna-Bazán.

Academic Excursions

During the ten weeks spent in Mexico, students will go on several organized academic excursions. Taxco-Tepoztlán, Oaxaca, Mexico City, and Veracruz are among the areas we will explore in these excursions. Day visits will include other sites in the Puebla/Cholula area.

Extra-curricular Participation

In addition to regular classes, students will be able to participate as volunteers in several opportunities of Service Learning. Also, students can choose among several workshops (dance, Mexican cuisine, etc.) offered by the Program.

Housing

Students will live with Mexican families. They will have their own room, eat their meals at home, and be included in family activities.

Travel Arrangements

Students are expected to arrange their own travel to Mexico City, where the program begins, and back to the U.S. from Mexico City at the end of the program. Round-trip travel from Mexico City to Puebla/Cholula, plus all group travel during the program, will be paid by Carleton.