Language, Culture, and Social Change

May 23-June 29, 2008

in Cuernavaca, Mexico

Take two Summer Courses:

• Spanish (beginning to advanced levels offered)

• Latin American Civilization and Culture (for History credit, taught in English; or for Spanish credit taught in Spanish)

What Makes this program unique?

• Orientation in Mexico City:  Spend 3-5 days in Mexico City visiting museums, pyramids, and meeting with a wide range of guest lecturers.

• Courses in English and Spanish:  The program is open to all students, including those with no prior Spanish. The Latin American Civilization and Culture course is taught in English or Spanish, and a wide range of Spanish courses are available for beginning, intermediate, advanced Spanish students. Bilingual students are also welcome.

• Experiential Education:  Integrate solid academic work with real-life experiences.

• Diverse Speakers/Educational Excursions:  Learn directly from local people involved in some of the most important issues of our time.

• Homestay:  Spend four weeks living with a local family, participating in their daily life and activities. LGBT homestays are available.

• Optional Travel:  Participate in optional weekend excursions and/or travel on your own to nearby Acapulco, Mexico City, Puebla, Taxco, and/or Toluca.

Course Offerings

All students will take the Lat in American Civilization and Culture course and also enroll in one Spanish language course.

Latin American Civilization and Culture (HIS 195/440 or SPA 332)

A study of the cultural heritage of the Spanish American countries from the pre-Columbian civilizations to the present, with particular emphasis on contemporary cultural issues.

Students in lower level Spanish (beginning - first semester third year) will register for the course taught in English. Students who have completed the equivalent of first semester third year may register for the course taught in either English or Spanish. (A student who has already taken the equivalent of this course in Spanish may, with permission, take Latin American Literature instead.)

 Syllabus

Spanish Course

All students will also register for one of the following Spanish courses (4 weeks). Spanish instruction is provided by Mexican instructors at UNIVERSAL Center for Language and Social Communication, which has served as the Spanish language school for Augsburg College programs in Mexico since 1979. Spanish classes are made up of no more than six students and are held for three hours/day, Monday-Friday for four weeks.  More information on Spanish classes.

Syllabi:

SPA 111  Beginning Spanish I

SPA 112  Beginning Spanish II

SPA 211  Intermediate Spanish I

SPA 212  Intermediate Spanish II

SPA 311  Conversation and Composition

SPA 316  Conversations in Cultural Context
SPA 332 Latin American Civilization and Culture
SPA 356  Latin American Literature

SPA 411  Advanced Conversation and Composition  

Academic Information
Credit is granted and the transcript is issued by Augsburg College for the equivalent of 2 courses or 6-8 semester hours.

Prerequisites
None.

Program Location
The program is located in Cuernavaca, a picturesque city in central Mexico. It is well known as the "city of eternal spring" and as a center for innovative grassroots organizing. It is located 1½ hours drive south of Mexico City and 3½ hours north of Acapulco.  More location information. ...

Accommodations
Room and board will be provided by Mexican host families of modest means in Cuernavaca. Any meals students choose to eat on their own are at their own expense.  Several nights and the history/women's studies course will take place at the study center.

Cost
The cost of the program is $4,260. The program fees include tuition for two courses, course related field trips, room and board with host families, pre-trip preparation materials, airport or bus transfers, medical/emergency insurance, and general program oversight. Airfare is not included. The program price does not include passport and visa application fees or entry and exit taxes.  Your entry and exit taxes may be included in the cost of airfare.

Registration and Payment
Please contact us for a hardcopy application, or see: Summer Spanish Application. A $250 deposit is required with your application.  This deposit will be refunded only if the Center cancels the program. This deposit can be made by credit card or check.

Your application and deposit must be received no later than April 4, 2008. In some cases, space may be available after this date – please contact the Center for more information. Final payment for the program will be due May 2, 2008.  

Documentation

If you do not already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as possible. Don’t put this off! It is very important that you have your passport well in advance of the program.  If you have one, make sure it is valid for six months past the end date of the program.  If it isn't, please apply for a new one.  You can apply for one either at a passport office, county government building, or a major post office. You will need two passport photos, a certified copy of your birth certificate (with a raised seal), and a check or money order for the processing fee.  Birth certificates are available from the clerk of court in the county in which you were born, in case you need to get one. In fact, get two copies so you can bring one with you (just in case you lose your passport and need to apply for a replacement).  For more information see the U.S. State Department webpage at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html