| Academics |
Course Description
On this four week course, students will study the Spanish language as well as learn about Ecuadorian history, politics, social systems, and current economic development and challenges. Students will participate in lectures, discussions with local families, field activities, as well as ongoing service work in small Ecuadorian communities. Students will complete an Oral History Project, giving them the unique opportunity to delve into the lives of Ecuadorians as well as practice their Spanish skills. Each day will present a new challenge in language speaking and cultural appreciation. |
Course Objectives/Outcomes
By completion of the course, each student will:
- Gain an increased understanding of Spanish grammar and vocabulary
- Have a better grasp of conversational Spanish language
- Understand how Ecuadorian politics and current economy affects the world as well as the country itself.
- Have a basic understanding of development issues in Ecuador – most directly relating to the top three cash inflows to Ecuador: crude oil, flowers, and remittances.
- Complete an Oral History project, interviewing at least three local Ecuadorians on a topic of the students choosing. The Oral History project will be presented to student peers while on program and will be submitted in writing.
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Lecture Topics
- Incan Empire: Effects on Current Society
- Conquests of Ecuador
- Incan Culture
- Ecuadorian Indigenous People’s Agriculture and Techniques
- Cuenca: History, Culture, Tradition, Geography
- Cajas National Park: Climate, Flora, Fauna
- Education System in Ecuador
- Geography of Ecuador
- Current Politics of Ecuador
- Simon Bolivar: “Liberator” of Ecuador
- Gabriel Garcia Moreno and “El conservadurismo”
- Eloy Alfaro and “El liberalismo”
- Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra
- Ecuador’s Oil Exportation and it’s Consequences
- South American Free Trade
- Ecuadorian International Relations
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Field Studies and exercises
- Visit to Ecuadorian Agricultural School
- Visit a traditional ceramics studio
- Visit a small Panama hat studio and a large scale factory.
- Oral History Project
- Visit the famous traditional market, Otavalo
- Hike in Cajas National Park, the Andes Mountains, and Cotopaxi National Park.
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