Cal Poly in Peru - Academic Program
All students will take 12 units of coursework during the intense, academic program, including 4 units of Spanish. All students also take two general education courses addressing issues related to Peruvian and Latin American culture and society. These GE courses will be taught in English by Cal Poly faculty. Joining the Summer 2012 Peru Study Program are Terry Jones, Department Chair of Social Sciences and Ben Funston-Timms, Professor of Geography . Together they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and travel in Latin America to the program.
Development Projects in the Field
In addition to regular class time, the GE courses will also include a service activity component involving hands-on, community-based development work. Cal Poly works with ProWorld Peru, a service provider that arranges internships and community service projects for students worldwide. ProWorld was named by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as the best "Travel Adventure Company in the World." Possible projects include constructing a school, installing clean burning stoves, and providing basic education services in the areas of healthcare, business, or teaching. You will not only learn about development issues in the classroom but will have the opportunity to do work in the field, putting into practice Cal Poly's "Learn by Doing" philosophy.
Courses for Summer 2012
SPAN 102, 103, 121, 122, or 124 Spanish (4)
Each student takes an intensive Spanish course appropriate to their level. Students study Spanish for 10-20 hours a week in classes with no more than eight students. Spanish classes are taught by Peruvian teachers, and the facilities are provided by the Centro Bartolomé de las Casas, an academic institution located in the historic center of Cuzco. Spanish courses will help to enhance communication skills for the students while in Peru and serve to increase cultural awareness.
Have you taken a college level Spanish class? The Cal Poly in Peru Program has a Spanish language prerequisite. Students that have taken a Cal Poly Spanish class, have college-level transfer credit, or Spanish AP credit meet this prerequisite. If students have not fulfilled this prerequisite, they have the opportunity to meet this requirement by taking the Cal Poly Spanish class. Modern Languages and Literatures (MLL) highly recommends taking one at Poly before studying in Peru, but if you cannot students can take the Spanish Placement Exam (SPE) to meet the requirement. The SPE is offered through MLL every quarter. During spring quarter, the SPE will be offered Friday, April 27 from 3-4 pm in Building Bldg 33 Rm 286. No need to sign up, just bring a pencil.
HUM 310 Culture of Latin America (4) GE C4
Interdisciplinary examination of culture, communication, and sociohistorical issues in/of Latin America Topics include cross-cultural communication, history and social justice issues of Peru and Latin America, ethnicity, language, and the arts. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A and one course from Area C. For more information please contact Professor Terry Jones at tljones@calpoly.edu or phone (805) 756-2523.
GEOG 370 Geography of Latin America (4) GE D5
Geographic analysis of Mexico, Central American, and South America. The patterns of physical environment, culture, economy, and development. The issues (local, regional, and global) that shape Latin America. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Areas A, D3. Recommended:Junior standing. Fulfills GE D5 except for Social Sciences majors. For more information please contact Professor Ben Funston-Timms at btimms@calpoly.edu or phone (805) 756-2952.