Language and Culture in Puebla, Mexico

  Mexico

• Puebla: 
Puebla

Term: Summer 
Dates: May 15 - June 26, 2009

Description: Program

The University of Kansas Summer Language Institute in Puebla, Mexico, offers students the opportunity to obtain university credit in Spanish courses, improve language skills, and experience Mexican culture firsthand by living with families in Puebla. Courses are taught by native instructors and KU faculty members and staff, and are held on the campus of the Universidad de las AmericasPuebla (UDLA).

Puebla

Puebla de los Angeles is situated on a high plateau in the center of Mexico, just 70 miles (122 km) from Mexico City. Founded over 460 years ago, Puebla uniquely blends modernity with history. It is renowned as the site of the most famous battle of Mexican Nationalism against the French. This battle gave birth to the popular Cinco de Mayo celebration. UNESCO has designated the city as a cultural heritage site for its beautiful colonial architecture.

Universidad de las AmericasPuebla (UDLA)

The UDLA is one of the most prestigious private institutions in Latin America. It is housed on a modern campus in view of prehispanic pyramids and the volcanoes of the Valley of Mexico. Facilities on campus include a medical clinic, pharmacy, computer rooms, automatic bank tellers, a post office, bus service to and from Puebla and Cholula, three cafeterias and dining halls, a travel agency, a library with more than 500,000 volumes, a swimming pool and athletic facilities.

Highlights: Cultural Activities

Afternoon workshops such as Latin Dancing, Mexican Music and Songs, Photography, and Community Service give participants first-hand experience of different aspects of Mexican culture and allow students to practice Spanish in an informal environment. Students have the opportunity to participate in two workshops, each lasting for three weeks.

Various cultural field trips will also be offered at no charge during the program.

Examples of local fieldtrips include:
* Downtown Puebla, Capilla del Rosario and El Parian crafts
    market
* Cholulas Pyramid
* Talavera Factory (the world famous talavera ceramics)

Students can also take part in sporting activities. These include soccer games, volleyball, basketball, bowling, ice skating, etc.

The optional excursions range in price from $50 to $215 USD (cost does not include food). Excursions can be reserved and paid for during the program in Puebla.

Courses Offered

All students enroll in a total of eight semester credit hours consisting of two credit hours of conversation appropriate to skill level, one 3-credit hour class taught by KU faculty, and one 3-credit hour class taught by UDLA faculty. Classes are conducted entirely in Spanish. Classes meet from Monday to Thursday.

Conversation Course (required)
SPAN 328/428 Spanish Conversation Intermediate I/Advanced. (2 credits)

KU Faculty Courses (select one)

SPAN 300 The Origins and Development of Spanish American Culture. (3 credits) The development of social and cultural patterns in Spanish America, and their relationship to economic issues and personal values. A topical study of the historical development of Spanish American institutions will be followed by an examination of twentieth-century cultural patterns. Special emphasis on Mexico. Will not count toward the Spanish major. Requires concurrent enrollment in SPAN 324.

SPAN 440 Hispanic Studies: Latin American Literature. (3 credits) A topics course dedicated to the study of special historical moments, topics, authors, or themes in literary and cultural history. Readings may include selections from both Spain and the countries of Spanish America. The course may cover multiple genres, authors, periods, or regions. This course fulfills a literature requirement.

UDLA Faculty Courses (select one)

SPAN 324 Grammar and Composition. (3 credits) Systematic grammar review and development of essential writing skills for advanced courses in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 216, SPAN 217, or SPAN 220, or consent of instructor. Requires concurrent enrollment in SPAN 300.

SPAN 424 Advanced Spanish Composition and Grammar. (3 credits) Writing compositions with stress on correctness and organization. Review of syntax and grammar. Prerequisite: SPAN 324 and SPAN 340.

SPAN 520 Structure of Spanish (3 credits) A study of the Spanish language as it is spoken today, from perspectives of contemporary linguistics. Reading and analysis of recent publications in the field. Prerequisites: SPAN 424 and SPAN 428, or consent of instructor.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Approximately $3,380

Tuition and Fees: Estimated tuition and fees for 5 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): $1,033. *

*Actual expenses for KU students will vary by the students individual tuition compact. Non-KU students will pay the standard tuition rate listed above.

Additional costs: Airfare, books and supplies, passport fees, optional group weekend trips, incidental personal expenses and entertainment.

Note
All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.   

Experience Required: no

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application