Socio-Economic Reality of Central America

A Capstone experiential learning course

Instructor: Christine R. Schrage

Office: 218

Telephone:273-2126

Email: schragec@uni.edu

Course description: An experiential learning course for students interested in the socio-economic realities of Central America.   The course allows the student to work alongside citizens in a developing country.  Business people and citizens involved in all aspects of the Nicaraguan life will provide information through separate sessions and meetings with the students.  Looking at a different culture while living and working along side the citizens gives students a more personal view of how to be sensitive to other socio-economic realities.

Course level:  100 level (Junior or higher)  The two credit course is limited to 14 students. A minimum of 10 students is required.

Course objectives:

• Provide understanding of another culture.
• Analyze the ethics and social responsibility of companies operating in less developed nations in regard to their society's norms.
• Discover what factors can impact culture.
• Look at how culture can be a hindrance or asset to a country's economy and status in the global economy.
• Cultivate the ability to discuss observations and frustrations in unfamiliar situations or environments.
• Utilize oral communication and writing skills acquired in general studies courses.

Course resources:

• Book-Riding the Waves of Culture, Understanding Diversity in Global Business by Fons Trompenaars and Charles Hampden-Turner
• Instructor's website-  - http//uni.edu/~schragec  -links to various information websites concerning the region   
  • CIA Fact Sheet
  • World Bank Reports
• Supplemental packet of current articles as provided by the instructor
  • US Intervention in Nicaragua in the 80s, Chris Junker
  • The Global Compact's Nine Principles, The Journal Corporate Citizenship, Autumn 2003
  • Free Markets and Poverty, Christian K. Weller and Adam Hersh, The American Prospect, Winter 2002
  • Progress Against Corruption, Dan Johnson, The Futurist, March/April 2002
  • AIDS is Your Business, Sydney Rosen, Jonathon Simon, Jeffrey R. Vincent, William MacLeod, Matthew Fox, and Donald M. Thea, Harvard Business Review, February 2003
  • The Hybrid Regimes of Central America, Terry Lynn Karl, Journal of Democracy, 6.3 (1995) pp.72-86
  • Nicaraguan Narratives of Development, Nationhood, and the Body, Florence E. Babb, The Journal of Latin American Antrhopology, Volume 6, November 1, 2001
  • Beloved Enemies: Race & Nationalism in Nicaragua, Juliet Hooker, Latin American Research Review, Fall 2005, 40:3
  • Gendering Class in Latin America: How Women Effect and Experience Change in the Class Structure, Amy Bellone Hite& Jocelyn S. Viterna, Latin American Research Review, Summer 2005,40:2
  • House, Street, Collective: Revolutionary Geographies and Gender Transformation in Nicaragua 1979-1999, Rosiario Montoya,  Latin American Research Review, Summer 2003, 38:2

 Grading criteria:

    Pre-trip assignment (50 points)

Each student  shall pick one of the following subjects to research.  A five page double-spaced document is due at the April 28th orientation session.  During that session, informal discussion of the subjects researched will occur.  A topic must be chosen by the April 14th orientation session, so allow for the instructor to make sure all topics are prepared for either by a student or the instructor. 

• U.S. Intervention in Nicaragua during the 80's
• U.S. Intervention in Nicaragua during the 20's and 30's
• Economic reality of Central America during the 20th century
• Social Challenges of Central America
• Central American Free Trade Association (CAFTA) and it potential impact on the region
• Role of Religion in Nicaragua and Central American Society
• Economic and Social Impact of Maquillas and Free Trade Zones in Central America

    Journal   (instructor will review with students during the final days in Nicaragua)     50 points

•     Overall quality of journal
•     Organization of information
•     Quality of notes on speakers
•     Reflections on activities and discussions

   Participation in activities and discussions while in Nicaragua                                  50 points

            Each evening the group will have a minimum 1 hour discussion on observations and issues from the day's activities and/or from a chapter in the assigned book.  It is often wise to read the book ahead of the trip as it is easy to be distracted by all that is going on in the new environment.  The participation grade is based on the contribution of not only the planned discussion, but at the work site, during meals, and activities.

   Final Paper (due May 31 or before during debriefing)                                           100 points

• Grammar/readability
• Summary of the experience
• Application of learning experience to future career
• How the experience affected the student's perspective about different cultures
• How the experience fulfilled the course objectives

Grades will be calculated on a percentage basis from your total scores.

Grade	Percentage	Points
A	94-100	235
A-	90-94	225
B+	87-89	217
B	83-86	208
B-	80-82	200
C+	77-79	192
C	73-76	183
C-	70-72	175
D+	67-69	167
D	63-66	158
D-	60-62	150
F	anything lower than 59.9

Activities:

March 31 -   3 to 6 p.m. class meets for initial orientation.  Immunizations need to start early.  Students need to have their passports at this time. 

April 14  -  3 to 6 p.m. class meets for orientation and completing all the necessary documentation.  Pre-class topic must be chosen and provided to the instructor.  Discuss materials from supplement, start discussions on chapters 1 to 5 from the book

April 21 - 3 to 6 p.m. Pre-trip assignments due, informal discussion on the topics. 

May 5 - 9 to 11 a.m.- make final preparations for the trip. Final orientation.

May 8 to 18- trip to Nicaragua

• work on development projects with citizens;
• meet and hear speakers involved in the Nicaragua;
• hear speakers discuss how the political past has affected the cultural development of the country.

A date on or before May 31- two hour session, time to be determined later.  Students MUST attend to discuss their reflections since returning.  Also, each student will informally share some highlights of their papers.  At this time, everyone may want to bring their pictures to share (and exchange).  Past teams have met at the OP on University Avenue.  Everyone had duplicates made of their photos so others could pick out some to complete their albums.

Travel expenses:

Travel costs including airfare, room and board, travel fees will be approximately $1550  per student.  Tuition will be charged as with any other two credit course. This will be charged to your UBill.