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Sustainable Development in Rural Areas
Sustainable Development in Costa Rica Program
San Jose, Costa Rica
Dates: 6/3/17 - 8/5/17
Sustainable Development in Rural Areas
OVERVIEW
CEA CAPA Partner Institution: Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología
Location: San José, Costa Rica
Primary Subject Area: Service Learning
Instruction in: English
Transcript Source: TBD
Course Details: Level 300
Recommended Semester Credits: 5
Contact Hours: 80
Prerequisites: Students should have a working knowledge of Spanish for 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
The objective of this course is to provide students with real life experiences that follow the principles of both Service Learning and Sustainable Development in the present world context. There are no easy answers to the increasing calls for leaders to assume wider role in sustainable development and the growing responsibility towards the environment and the ecosystem. As this is a Service Learning Course, students will be working along with rural communities, trying to develop an understanding of the real environmental problems they face, while at the same time exploring and reflecting on course content, providing concrete service (ranging from hands-on tasks to strategic advice) to these communities, and seeking to integrate the experience as a whole.
Students spend half the day working on significant yet safe tasks (which may range from hands-on to more intellectual tasks), while in the afternoon they attend group sessions at La Marta Wildlife Refuge (this morning-afternoon schedule may vary depending on the places students have selected for carrying out their project), to share, analyze and give feedback on their experiences in light of the academic concepts they will be exploring. The goal is to help and learn at the same time, thus engaging in a real experience of service-based learning.
As a 300-level course, students are expected to conduct academic research on the topic/issue selected. Their research must combine their experience in the field, facts, testimonials, historical background and study results.
Students will receive feedback from their instructor periodically to improve the quality of the learning performances proposed in the course.
Note: This course will be taught in English, however, the service learning placement and work will require a working knolwedge of Spanish. High-beginner or intermediate Spanish language is recommended.
Students spend half the day working on significant yet safe tasks (which may range from hands-on to more intellectual tasks), while in the afternoon they attend group sessions at La Marta Wildlife Refuge (this morning-afternoon schedule may vary depending on the places students have selected for carrying out their project), to share, analyze and give feedback on their experiences in light of the academic concepts they will be exploring. The goal is to help and learn at the same time, thus engaging in a real experience of service-based learning.
As a 300-level course, students are expected to conduct academic research on the topic/issue selected. Their research must combine their experience in the field, facts, testimonials, historical background and study results.
Students will receive feedback from their instructor periodically to improve the quality of the learning performances proposed in the course.
Note: This course will be taught in English, however, the service learning placement and work will require a working knolwedge of Spanish. High-beginner or intermediate Spanish language is recommended.