Sociology and Anthropology
Language and Culture in Nicaragua
Study Spanish and explore issues of culture, religion, economics and globalization in a rural community in the mountains of northern Nicaragua. This two-week intensive seminar takes place in the rural farming cooperative of El Lagartillo, near the town of Achuapa, Nicaragua.
El Lagartillo is a farming cooperative of 24 households, with a population of just over 100 people. It was formed in 1983-84 when landless farmers came together as part of Latin America's progressive Christian Base Community movement. They were given land under Nicaragua's revolutionary process. They suffered tremendously during the U.S.-backed Contra war in the 1980's; their cooperative was attacked and three adults and three teenagers were killed.
Over the past 20 years, the community has formed strong ties with individuals and solidarity groups in Europe, Canada, and the United States. In 2004, they decided to create a casmpesino language school in El Lagartillo supporting a vision of cultural exchange and transformation for social justice.
Program Description
Students receive four hours of one-to-one instruction in Spanish each day with community teachers. They live with families and have the opportunity to partake in the work of the community.
Students will spend one week in El Lagartillo studying Spanish, living with the community, and writing and reflecting on the experience. Then they will spend another week traveling to other parts of Nicaragua, in an active debriefing process composed of recreation and reflection.
Faculty
Jim Phillips, Ph.D.
Dr. Phillips teaches courses in Anthropology and Latin American Studies at Southern Oregon University. He has lived in Central America and the Caribbean. A former Jesuit and researcher for international development and social change organizations, Dr. Phillips also has extensive local contacts and understanding of issues concerning the Catholic Church in Latin America. He and his wife, Lucy Edwards, lived in Nicaragua during the Contra War from 1985-1987.
Lucy Edwards, M.A.
Lucy Edwards is trained as a journalist and documentary producer and served as News Director at Jefferson Public Radio from 1996-2002. She has taught Communications and Sociology courses at SOU and UCSB. Currently Ms. Edwards is program coordinator for the Community Emergency Response Team for the city of Ashland, preparing citizens to respond safely and effectively during disasters.
Application Information
Two-week program: August 14-29, 2008
Applications can be picked up from Meagan Lauing, Special Programs Coordinator for International Programs, Monday through Thursday in SU 321. To contact Meagan with application or cost questions: lauingm@sou.edu or 552-8180.
Cost: $1545 - includes academic credits, meals, lodging, classes, and travel insurance. All travel and accommodation arrangements in Nicaragua will be taken care of by Dr. Phillips and Lucy Edwards. Airfare is not included.
Academic Credit
Registered SOU students may obtain academic credit for the Nicaragua Field Study.
In general, students who successfully complete the study and academic expectations are eligible to receive SSPC credits as follows:
SSPC 399 (Social Science, Policy, and Culture: Special Studies), 4 credits, P/NP only
In addition, students may wish to seek Spanish language credits as follows:
SPAN (Spanish) Up to 2 credits. Course level, credits, and grading option for students seeking Spanish credits will be determined by the Foreign Language faculty on an individual basis upon assessment of student's level of Spanish language competency before the trip.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor is required
Contact Information
For general information about the Field study in Nicaragua, the country, itinerary, schedule, or in-country activities please contact
Dr. Jim Phillips at phillipj@sou.edu or 541-552-6133 or
Lucy Edwards at westerndesk@yahoo.com
Also see Dr. Phillips with questions about SSPC credits and course expectations.
To request credits in Spanish language please contact SOU Foreign Language and Literature Faculty, Churchill Hall room 250 or by phone at 552-6435.
