Course Descriptions

 

Migration and Globalization: Engaging our Communities

A semester abroad program of the
Center for Global Education at Augsburg College 

 

See Complete Program Syllabi

 

Core Courses

Most students take the following three core courses, plus an optional fourth course:

 

Spanish 

(Spanish 111, 112, 211, 212, 311, 316, 332, 356 or 411) 

• See Spanish course options below

Mexican History, Culture and Cosmovision

(History or Women’s Studies 355)  -required-

• Trace the historical development of gender, class-based and racial/ethnic oppression in Mexico from the Conquest to the present day and explore key issues in contemporary Mexican society, such as migration and globalization.

Globalization, Social Struggles and the Environment  

(Political Science or Women’s Studies 341)

• Explores issues of globalization and social change in Mexico, analyzing political, social, and economic policies that promote and/or hinder sustainable development from a gender perspective.  Particular emphasis will be placed on environmental issues and the causes of migration/emigration and social unrest in Mexico.

Sample Class Sessions: 

• Guest lectures on the economic impact and environmental consequences of NAFTA. 

• Field trip to an alternative technology workshop in Cuernavaca. 

• Field trip to an indigenous women’s cooperative involved in promoting sustainable development. Discussion with Mexican and Central American environmental activists

Other Course Options
In addition to the three courses listed above, students who plan to take a full course load should also choose one of the following:

 

1.  A second SPANISH Course

(Spanish 111, 112, 211, 212, 311, 316, 332, 356 or 411)

• See Spanish course options listed below

OR

 

2.  Internship Seminar

(Interdisciplinary Studies, Political Science, *Spanish, or Women’s Studies 399)

• Gain  80-100 hours of work experience &/or participant observation in a Mexican organization.

• Participate in an ongoing seminar that explores cultural issues, organizational analysis, and personal  and professional development.

Note:  Students who wish to take the Internship  for Spanish credit should have at least two years of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.

 

OR

 

3.  Independent Study Seminar

(Interdisciplinary Studies, Political Science, Religion, Spanish, or Women’s Studies 499)

• Conduct independent, field-based or book-based research on a topic related to your major, career goals, or personal interest.

• Collaborate with an instructor who will provide guidance in making use of local resources and participate in an ongoing seminar that explores fieldwork methods and cultural and ethical issues.

• Get a head start on your senior thesis, capstone project, or other significant project. 

 

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Spanish Course Options

 

Beginning Spanish I & II  (Spanish 111 or 112)

• Develop the four basic skills: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing of elementary Spanish.

Intermediate Spanish I & II (SPA 211 or 212)

• Review all of the basic structures of Spanish and build conversational skills through class discussions and the reading of selected Latin American texts.

Intermediate & Advanced Conversation and Composition (SPA 311 or 411

• Enrich your vocabulary and improve facility and correctness of written and oral expression through conversation, formal oral presentations, and several written compositions.

Conversations in Cultural Context (Spanish 316)

• Aims to improve oral fluency through debates, oral reports, and discussion of contemporary issues in Latin America.

Latin American Civilization & Culture (Spanish 332)

• A study of the cultural heritage of the Spanish American countries from the pre-Columbian civilizations to the present.

Latin American Literature: 20th-Century Voices (Spanish 356)

• Examine issues of social change through the voices of contemporary Latin American writers. (For bilingual students & those who have already completed all other 300-level courses.)

Internship Seminar (Spanish 399)

• See description in “Other Course Offerings” above.

• Be sure to seek approval from your Spanish department chair before registering for this course.

Independent Study Seminar (Spanish 499)

• See description in “Other Course Offerings” above.

• Be sure to seek approval from your Spanish department chair before registering for this course.

 See Complete Program Syllabi