Course Descriptions

 

Social Work in a Latin American Context

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

 

See Complete Program Syllabi

 

Students should choose one of the following Spanish courses:

 

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.

Topics: Spanish for Health Care Professionals (SPA 295)

 

Topics: Spanish for Heritage Speakers (SPA 295)

 

Topics: Pre-Columbian, Colonial, & Contemporary Mexican Art (SPA 295)

 

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.

Topics in Business Spanish (Spanish 495)

*Highly recommended for Business majors

• Develop proficiency in the vocabulary, grammar and cultural competencies necessary to successfully conduct business in Spanish-speaking countries, with an emphasis on Latin America

Topics: Contemporary Latin American Women: Texts & Voices  (Spanish 495)

 

Topics: Pre-Columbian, Colonial, & Contemporary Mexican Art  (Spanish 495)

 

Topics: Contemporary Mexican Literature  (Spanish 495)

 

Topics: Spanish for Heritage Speakers  (Spanish 495)

 

 

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Students may choose 2-3 of the following courses:

SWK 294 International Social Welfare:  The Mexican Context (required)

This course develops students’ understanding of current social, economic, political and cultural realities in Mexico through an exploration of Mexican culture and history.  Particular emphasis will be placed on intercultural communication and the role of U.S. foreign policy in Mexico both historically and currently.  This understanding will frame students’ knowledge of contemporary social welfare and social work practice with migrants and immigrants in the United States and will serve as a foundation for the other Social Work courses taught in Mexico.

 

SWK 295 Comparative Social Policy

This course in comparative social policy will use Mexico and the United States as the context for studying policy formation, implementation, analysis, and the influence of values on these processes.  Roles and responsibilities of citizens and professionals in formulating and implementing policy responsive to social needs will be addressed.  The course includes 15-20 hours of service-learning in local communities and/or service organizations. 

 

SWK 316 Social Work with Groups and Families:  Theory and Practice

This course is part of the practice sequence in generalist social work education.  The primary focus is on the study of human behavior in groups with extensive opportunity to practice skills necessary to be an effective group member and leader.  Historical development of group work and mutual aid systems will be studied.  The effect of diversity on group interaction in both Mexico and the USA is highlighted.

 

*SWK 317 Social Work Field Experience

*This course is only for students who are required by their school to fieldwork during this semester and who have at least an intermediate level of Spanish.  Students who are interested must complete a fieldwork application form. The Field Experience contributes to the practicum hours required for the BSW degree. Students will be placed in a community social service agency in order to observe, learn from, and work with social work practitioners involved in the tasks and activities of the agency.  A seminar will be provided to help link theory to practice under the supervision of a Mexican practitioner and a faculty member from a CSWE accredited school.  Total hours of placement will be approximately 100 in Mexico.

 

See Complete Program Syllabi