Nicaragua: Revolution, Transformation, and Civil Society

Coursework

Prerequisites:
Three recent semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework in Spanish, as assessed by SIT.

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This program examines the principal tendencies and historical lessons of Nicaragua studied from a variety of perspectives, exposing students to the different currents of political theory and practice in this politically polarized society. This program studies the origins, evolution, strengths and weaknesses of Nicaragua’s Civil Society, in particular the Social Movements and their historic role in the national political scene. Within this academic emphasis concepts of democracy, autonomy, "caudillismo," poverty alleviation, and citizen participation are discussed.

Emphasis is given in the module of Culture of Peace to the contributions made by Nicaragua to the theory and practice of conflict transformation and peace building. Students are exposed to the real life experiences of a culture of peace, where former combatants now work together in harmony, where military forces are not forces for civilian repression, where urban delinquency is not met with police brutality. In addition, economic impacts, globalization, Free Trade Agreements transverse the different program modules, including Nicaragua’s relationships with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

The Field Study Seminar introduces culturally appropriate, ethical field research methodology, in preparation for the Independent Study Project (ISP). The thematic seminar, taught in Spanish, along with intensive language study, provide students with language opportunities in context.Students also use language skills in field research and with homestay families, resulting in immense progress over the semester.

The following syllabi are either from a recent session of this program or for an upcoming session. 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.

Revolution, Transformation, and Civil Society Seminar - syllabus (PDF)
(LACB 3000 / 6 credits / 90 class hours)
An interdisciplinary course conducted in Spanish, with required readings, examining the historical development and short- and long-term impacts of recent Central American revolutionary movements from the social, political, and cultural contexts of contemporary Nicaragua; particular emphasis is placed on the role of Nicaraguan civil society and US-Nicaragua relations. Resources utilized in the delivery of course content include Nicaraguan historians, leaders of civil society, and other activists; the Centro de Estudios Internacionales (CIES); the Instituto Martin Luther King de la UPOLI ; Universidad Centroamericana; and Centro de Prevención de la Violencia.

Intensive Language Study: Spanish - syllabus (PDF)
(SPAN 2000-4000 / 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.

Field Study Seminar - syllabus (PDF)
(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; 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 at an approved location in Nicaragua appropriate to the project. Sample topic areas: case study of a rural agricultural cooperative; organizing women in rural areas; structural adjustment and the health care sector; women’s response to the post-1996 ideological counterreforms; debt forgiveness and the International Monetary Fund (IMF); conflict resolution and reconciliation; decentralization and local autonomy.

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research