SPA403: Expresiones Artísticas Andinas Dowload Syllabus

Study of the development process of Andean Music in its sociocultural context through the study, analysis and investigation of relevant topics, in order to obtain critical and comprehensive knowledge.

ENV 301-Environmental Studies of the Andes Download Syllabus

We will examine the ecology of the major habitat types of the Andean region, the ways in which human cultures have impacted the landscape and ecology and the efforts that are being made to conserve biodiversity and encourage sustainable development in this region.

Throughout the term, students will carry out an original investigation on a topic of their choice in their own time, this will be written up and handed in at the end of the course and each student will prepare a presentation of their project for the final class. During the course there will also be several assignments that consist of preparing presentations for a following class.

ENV 330-Tropical Ecology Download syllabus

This course will provide students with a general overview of tropical ecology, with an emphasis on the neotropics. We will first define the tropics geographically and discuss the abiotic factors that give rise to different types of tropical ecosystems. We will examine the evolutionary and ecological factors that have led to the extraordinary species diversity of tropical regions that has fascinated and inspired biologists since the times of Humboldt, Darwin and Wallace, and continues to be investigated and debated today.  We will look at the structure and function of tropical ecosystems (particularly rainforests) and explore the many complex interactions and relationships that exist between plant and animal species.  We will consider the local and global importance of tropical ecosystems and the consequences of deforestation, fragmentation, overhunting and other human activities, as well as conservation and management strategies. 

ENV 340-Conservation Biology Download syllabus

Conservation biology emerged as an important new discipline during the 1980s in response to the alarming loss of biological diversity throughout the world, a result of rapid growth of the human population and the expansion of human activities.  This course is an introduction to conservation biology with an emphasis on Latin America.

We will first introduce general concepts of conservation biology and biodiversity at the species, genetic and ecosystem levels before going on to overview the main threats to biodiversity, discussing mainly examples from Latin America, and then consider the various problems faced by small populations of endangered species. We will discuss conservation strategies for individual populations and species, and for communities and ecosystems, both from theoretical and practical standpoints, taking into consideration the problems faced by conservation biologists in developing countries.

HED 209/SOC 380-Health Issues in Developing Countries Dowload syllabus

This course allows to know how public health works in developing countries, especially in Ecuador. We will learn about health programs and scientific-methodological aspects to analyze and interpret health problems, and develop a health promotion program that establishes solutions, considering social, economic, cultural, political, religious, environmental and biological aspects.

SPA341: History of Latin America: Conquest and Colonization (3c) Download syllabus

An intensive study of Latin American history during the Conquest and later, Colonization.

Prerequisite: SPA330.

SPA 347: Modern Latin America (3c) Download syllabus

An introduction and examination of contemporary Latin America through a combination of sociological and political perspectives. Topics include dualism in the social structure; underdevelopment: definitions, causes, and cures; ideas of culture; possible futures.

Prerequisites: SPA310 and SPA311, or permission of instructor.

GEO 302: Geography of Latin America Download syllabus

Latin America is a rich and diverse region, with a wide range of physical environments, climates, biological and mineral resources and a unique blend of peoples and cultures. This course is a general introduction to the geography, history and culture of Latin America.  We will examine the physical environment, cultural traditions, lifestyles, economies, development and urban environment throughout the Latin American region.

Students will carry out an original investigation on a topic of their choice in their own time, this will be written up and handed in at the end of the course and each student will prepare a presentation of their project for the final class. During the course there will also be several assignments that consist of preparing presentations for a following class.

SPA336: Survey of Latin American Literature Download syllabus

Study of the evolution of Latin American literature. It provides students with the opportunity to read, analyze, discuss, and write about representative authors of each literary movement, genre, and era.

SPA101: Beginning Spanish I  (4c) Download syllabus

SPA102: Beginning Spanish II (4c) Download syllabus

Intensive. Fundamental skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Elements of grammar, oral practice and elementary composition. Emphasis on active participation. For students or other adults with little or no Spanish experience; students with more than two years of high school Spanish or one year of college Spanish should not take this course.

SPA201: Intermediate Spanish I (3c) Download syllabus

Discussion of literary and cultural texts, and conversation practice. Prerequisite: SPA102 or equivalent.

SPA202: Intermediate Spanish Il (3c) Download syllabus

A continuation of SPA201.

SPA310: Advanced Spanish: Grammar and Syntax (3c) Download syllabus

Intensive study of grammar and syntax with emphasis on grammatical analysis. May be taken concurrently with SPA 311.

SPA311: Advanced Spanish: Conversation (3c) Download syllabus

Intensive oral and written work, including the study of idiomatic forms and selected literary texts. Prerequisite: SPA202 or equivalent.

SPA312: Advanced Spanish: Writing (3c) Download syllabus