Argentina: Regional Integration, Development, and Social Change

Coursework

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research

Prerequisites:
Previous college-level coursework and/or other significant preparation in sociology, political science, economics, 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.

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

Language study and independent research also contribute to students’ enhanced understanding of the region’s people and overarching socioeconomic 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 and MERCOSUR (Mercado Común del Cono Sur) – syllabus (PDF)
(LACB 3000 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
This comparative course seeks to provide the student with a general overview of the regional integration process in the MERCOSUR region. Students analyze the primary social, economic, and political challenges associated with the integration efforts of MERCOSUR countries and examine the role of the different institutions and social actors involved.

The seminar is carried out in four different locations: Buenos Aires, Porto Alegre, Montevideo, and Asunción. In each location, students have the chance to further explore the different modules, while taking into account the different realities represented by each of the countries that make up the region.

Development and Social Change in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay - syllabus (PDF)
(LACB 3005 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
The aim of this interdisciplinary seminar is to provide the student with a general overview of the major contemporary events in the region from historical, interdisciplinary, and global standpoints. By examining historical factors and analyzing theoretical perspectives, the course grapples with the region's development processes. The seminar is carried out in two different locations: Buenos Aires and Rosario, Argentina.

Research Methods and Ethics - syllabus (PDF)
(ANTH 3500 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
A course in the concepts of learning across cultures and from field experience. The course serves as an 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 (PDF)
(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 impacts of open trade agreements; national politics and the decision to join MERCOSUR; sustainability of agricultural export production; gender issues and border crossings; recuperated industries; trans-border conflicts surrounding forestry projects.

Intensive Language Study: Spanish for Social Sciences and Development I - syllabus (PDF)
(SPAN 2000 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
Intensive Language Study: Spanish for Social Sciences and Development II - syllabus (PDF)
(SPAN 2500 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
Intensive Language Study: Spanish for Social Sciences and Development III - syllabus (PDF)
(SPAN 3000 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
Intensive Language Study: Spanish for Social Sciences and Development IV - syllabus (PDF)
(SPAN 3500 / 3 credits / 45 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.

Credits: 16

Duration: 15 weeks

Program Base: Buenos Aires

Language Study: Spanish

Prerequisites: 4 semesters Spanish and relevant coursework Read more...