SOC 379: Poverty and Development Seminar
2 or 4 credits; can be taken independently or as an add-on to the Global Ethnic Relations course (SOC 279) taught in SP/2009
Location: Guatemala City with ODU Professor Julie Hart
Cost of program (Costs include all travel, room, meals and tourist sites):
ESTIMATED PROGRAM FEE: $2,000
TUITION: 2 credits = $465 or 4 credits = $930 (note this is a 50% tuition discount)
Payments will be made during the Spring Semester
Course Description:
The course will examine the causes, consequences, and solutions to Central American poverty while studying in Guatemala. The course will explore poverty in the context of colonial history, economic globalization, political and economic policies of unrestrained capitalism and trade, population growth, tropical climate, and cultural patterns. Students will travel in both urban and rural Guatemala meeting with non-profit organizations, government officials, and living with poor families. Grassroots efforts to address poverty including micro loan programs, sustainable agriculture, empowerment of women, literacy campaigns, and education for democracy will be emphasized. Spanish is useful but not necessary.
Schedule:
Week 1: Causes of Poverty
Colonial History of Guatemala and residual racism
Impact of Economic Globalization and Visit Banana Finca
Political & Economic Structures and Policies – Guatemalan Government Official
Population Growth and Climate – APROFAM/NGO working with population.
Culture and Poverty - Mayan and Ladino Culture
Week 2: Responses to Poverty
The Importance of Sustainable Development Macro & Micro– Bezaleel School
Improving Agricultural Productivity/ Sustainable Agriculture – Tara Cahill
Investment in Human Capital (Education & Healthcare) – Speaker
Land Reform Issues and the New Land Project– MCC
Democratization, Income Generation & Poverty Reduction – USAID speaker
Free Trade & Government Policies: Support for local business – Gustavo Chacon
The Hope of Technology- Trip to Appropriate Technology Center
Micro-enterprise, Fair Trade, ILO
Empowerment of women, family planning– MCC/ UPIVIM
*This is our tentative schedule but is subject to change.
Daily Schedule at the Mennonite Rooming House and in most other locations will be:
8:00am - Breakfast
8:30-9:30am - Worship/Reflection led by students and time to process
9:30am-12noon - Structured class discussion on daily topic noted above
1-5pm - Field Trip related to topic for the day
Apply online!
Questions?
Contact Professor Julie Hart, hartj@ohiodominican.edu or (614) 251-4263 or the International Office at studyabroad@ohiodominican.edu or (614) 251-4646.
