Featured Programs
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Claim up to $500 in flight credits!
Get up to $500 in flight credits or grants toward study or internship programs abroad when you apply by March 15, 2025. See our Official Rules for full details.
Exploring Costa Rica, its Culture and Language
Sustainable Development in Costa Rica Program
San Jose, Costa Rica
Dates: 6/3/17 - 8/5/17
Exploring Costa Rica, its Culture and Language
OVERVIEW
CEA CAPA Partner Institution: Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología
Location: San José, Costa Rica
Primary Subject Area: Humanities
Other Subject Area: Cultural Studies
Instruction in: English, Spanish
Transcript Source: TBD
Course Details: Level 300
Recommended Semester Credits: 3
Contact Hours: 45
Prerequisites: Students should have a working knowledge of Spanish for this course and for the service learning work; high-beginner or intermediate Spanish language or 3 semesters is recommended. Note: Students will also need to bring their laptop for this program. Internet access will be available, but computers will not be provided.
DESCRIPTION
This course is intended to help students become more sensitive to cultural differences and more accepting of them while encouraging them to have a better understanding of their own culture. This course also promotes bilingual communication by providing opportunities for Spanish language use, improvement and learning.
This course provides a multidisciplinary examination of the Costa Rican culture. The objective of this course is to create interest and appreciation of Costa Rican culture with the added dimension of hands on experience. What do we learn when we study about other cultures? First and foremost, we learn about our own culture and about ourselves. Until we are confronted by a different way, we assume that everyone does things the same way we do, and thus our own culture - our values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors are hidden from our view. When we spend some time contemplating other cultures we can question and understand our own better.
The use of the Spanish language in the different in and out-of class activities is expected from all the participants; therefore, the course instructor will always encourage all students to use it as much as possible. However, due to the nature of the course and its low language requirement, participants can also contribute to class discussions and submit most course projects in English if this facilitates natural interaction, participation and the successful achievement of the learning outcomes.
This course provides a multidisciplinary examination of the Costa Rican culture. The objective of this course is to create interest and appreciation of Costa Rican culture with the added dimension of hands on experience. What do we learn when we study about other cultures? First and foremost, we learn about our own culture and about ourselves. Until we are confronted by a different way, we assume that everyone does things the same way we do, and thus our own culture - our values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors are hidden from our view. When we spend some time contemplating other cultures we can question and understand our own better.
The use of the Spanish language in the different in and out-of class activities is expected from all the participants; therefore, the course instructor will always encourage all students to use it as much as possible. However, due to the nature of the course and its low language requirement, participants can also contribute to class discussions and submit most course projects in English if this facilitates natural interaction, participation and the successful achievement of the learning outcomes.