Argentina: Regional Integration, Development, and Social Change

Coursework

Prerequisites:
Previous college-level coursework and/or other significant preparation in economics, sociology, political science, or development studies, as assessed by SIT . Four recent semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework and assignments in Spanish, as assessed by SIT .

Using an interdisciplinary approach, this program explores key theoretical and practical aspects of economic integration on the development of MERCOSUR countries. Students will examine the history of the region, learn about the principal actors, and prospects for the continued social and economic integration. By traveling to different member countries, students experience the many contrasts and convergences for themselves.

Language study and independent research also contribute to students’ enhanced understanding the region’s people and overarching societal issues.

Links to syllabi below are from current and forthcoming courses offered on this program.  Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.

The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.

Regional Integration, Development, and Social Change Seminar - syllabus
(LACB-3000 / 6 credits / 90 class hours)
An interdisciplinary course conducted in Spanish examining the key theoretical and practical aspects of the development strategies of South America’s Southern Cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay), in light of the economic and social integration efforts in MERCOSUR (Mercado Común del Sur/Southern Common Market). Lecturers are drawn from institutions such as the Institute for Social and Economic Development (Argentina), the University of Rosario (Argentina), Federal University of Rio Grande (Brazil), University of the Republic in Montevideo (Uruguay), and the Center for Research and Documentation in Asunción (Paraguay).

Field Study Seminar  - syllabus
(ANTH-3500 / 2 credits / 30 class hours)
A course in the concepts of learning across cultures and from field experience. Introduction to the Independent Study Project. Material includes cross-cultural adaptation and skills building; project selection and refinement; appropriate methodologies; field study ethics and the World Learning/SIT Human Subjects Review Policy; developing contacts and finding resources; developing skills in observation and interviewing; gathering, organizing, and communicating data; maintaining a work journal.

Independent Study Project - syllabus
(ISPR-3000 / 4 credits / 120 class hours)
Conducted in Buenos Aires or in another approved location appropriate to the project. Sample topics areas: transnational corporations and the impetus for regional trade; bilateral government-owned development projects; social impact of open trade agreements; national politics and the decision to join MERCOSUR; sustainability of agricultural export production; gender issues and border crossings; recuperated industries; transborder conflict around forestry projects.

Intensive Language Study: Intermediate Spanish I - syllabus
(SPAN-2004 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)
Intensive Language Study: Intermediate Spanish II - syllabus
(SPAN-2504 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)
Intensive Language Study: Advanced Spanish I - syllabus
(SPAN-3004 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)
Intensive Language Study: Advanced Spanish II - syllabus
(SPAN-3504 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)
Emphasis on speaking, reading, and writing skills through classroom and field instruction. Based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing, students are placed in intensive intermediate or advanced classes, with further language practice in homestays, lectures, and field visits.

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research