College of the Canyons- Foreign Language Department

Spanish 098D

Language and Culture: Life and Culture of Ecuador

 

Spanish 098D

Section 45302-Winter 2006

Study Abroad in Ecuador

Prof. Claudia Marķa Acosta

Office: C-306B,

by appt. Ext. 3530

claudia.acosta@canyons.edu

Course Description and Objective:   This course introduces students to the life and cultures of Ecuador. The trip will provide students with a unique insight of the geography, social life, culture and biodiversity through personal interaction, outdoor activities, readings, and visits to places of cultural interest.  Class will combine orientation meetings, excursions, readings, assignments, cross cultural reflection activities, and a visual project.  We will meet on campus on Jan 3 and 4 from 5-7:30p.m. in V-101.  During the trip, we will have daily meetings to discuss certain aspects of the culture as well as to practice the Spanish language.

 

Required Textbook:

 

Ecuador & Galapagos (Insightl Guide) Discovery Channel

          Selected reading assignments

          A selection of videos and films available in the library (2nd floor)

Recommended Textbook:

          Culture Shock: A guide to Customs and Etiquette. Crowder 2001.

 

Learning Objectives:
1.       To gain basic understanding of the life and culture of South America with focus on Ecuador
2.       To learn about the history, geography, landscape, and biology of the Andes

 

Goals:

1.       To prepare and enlighten students for the experience focusing on intercultural and cross culture interaction

2.       To learn about the history, geography and culture of the Andes

3.       To enjoy the special environmental conditions of the Andes while learning about biodiversity and the special problems inherent to various climate.

 

Participation:  Active participation in all program activities.

 

Course work:  Students will be assigned readings on different aspects of the Andean cultures.  There will be assignments relevant information of the country, cross-cultural reflection activities, a travel log (seven-entries) with observations, and a mini-visual project.

 

Course Evaluation: This is a three-unit course graded on credit/no credit basis.  To receive credit 76% of the course work must be completed.

 

Participation

30%

Assignments / reflection/journal

30%

Visual project

20%

 

 

 

 

A 90-100- CR

B 80-89 -CR

 

C 70-79-CR

D 60-69- NC

F 59-0-NC