Chile: Culture, Development, and Social Justice

Beginning Spring 2010, this program will be titled:

Chile: Cultural Identity, Social Justice, and Community Development


Program Overview

Examine the political history of Chile in a contemporary cultural context. Gain insights into the forces at play as Chile works to reconcile with its past while moving forward politically, socially, and economically.

Chile’s return to civilian rule after 18 years of military dictatorship has generated international interest. Recent efforts to prosecute former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet have spurred worldwide debate on human rights and social justice, while economic policies and the actions of increasingly vocal indigenous groups fuel further debate.

The engaging seaport city of Valparaíso and neighboring Viña del Mar serve as program bases. Excursions to nearby Santiago, intensive field study, and a homestay with indigenous families provide a deeper appreciation of the attitudes, behaviors, practices, and values encompassed within the diverse Chilean landscape.

Spring 2008 alumni to present at 23rd NCUR Conference
Elizabeth Cutler, a political science and international relations major at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California, and a Spring 2008 participant in this program has been selected to present her research "Political Participation of University Students in the Fifth Region of Chile" at the 23rd National Conference of Undergraduate Research to be held at University of Wisconsin-La Cross between April 16-18, 2009.  Elizabeth will present her findings from her Independent Study Project conducted while on this program.  Read more about the NCUR Conference.

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research