Objective: To introduce graduate and advanced undergraduate stu-
dents to contemporary debates in social sciences, humanities, and
outstanding Latin American scholars.
Study Site: Santiago, Chile (pop. 5.4 million) is an exceptional
place to explore Latin American Studies. It is home to many
quality research centers such as PET, CELADE, CEPAL, CIEPLAN,
FLASCO, & CEM.
Courses Offered (all lectures in Spanish):
Chile in the 1990s: (Core Course/Required for all students) This
course provides a brief overview of the contemporary issues fac-
ing Chile's economic, social, and political environments on a na-
tional and international level. An orientation and introduction
to the richness and history of the Chilean culture will also be
provided. Course coordinator: Joseph Scarpaci (Ph.D., Florida),
Virginia Tech. 1 semester hour.
Women, Literature and Human Rights in Latin America: This class
explores the intricate relationship between Latin American women
writers and the State terrorism in which they lived for nearly
twenty years. Issues of gender and censorship, female discourse,
the female political imagination and the role of woman writer
both as a spokesperson for the marginal, as well as denouncer of
repression, will be explored through novels, short stories, poems
and the visual arts. Writers to be studied include Marta Traba,
Elena Poniatowska, Isabel Allende, and Claribel Algeria. Guest
lectures by Chilean women writers will be a key aspect of this
course. Course coordinator: Eliana Ortega, (Ph.D.,
Massachusetts), Radio Tierra/Casa Morada. 3 semester credit
hours.
Latin America International Relations: Analyzes the historical
and contemporary aspects of the Southern Cone region and its re-
lation to other regions: Latin American-European, Latin
American-U.S., and Latin American-Pacific Rim countries. The
course draws on several theoretical frameworks including modern-
ization and dependency theories. Course coordinator: Manfred
Wilhelmy (Ph.D., Princeton), Universidad de Chile. 3 semester
credit hours.
Shantytown Health Care: Analyzes the challenges of neighborhood
primary-care groups and NGOs in providing primary health and med-
ical care. Particular emphasis given to organizational, promo-
tional, maternal-child, and related aspects of health care.
Assesses the paradigms of health care as a right versus health
care as a commodity in the context of contemporary Chile. Draws
heavily on field trips to neighborhood projects in low-income
communities. Course Coordinator: Members of a primary care NGO:
Colectivo de Atencion Primaria.
Lodging: The program has arranged for lodging with Chilean fami-
lies. Simple accommodations start at U.S. $10.00 daily and in-
clude continental breakfast. Add $2.00 for lunch and dinner
daily.
Extracurricular Activities: At least three major field trips are
planned within Santiago & along the Vina del Mar-Valparaiso
coast. Includes visits to governmental ministries, NGOs, and the
Congreso Nacional in Valparaiso, horseback riding in the Andes,
and several social and diplomatic events.
Estimated Fees:
Non-refundable application fee due March 25: $100
Flat rate for Program for 1 to 4 courses: $2,400
(3-10 semester hours: includes readings for courses and interna-
tional student ID card with health insurance coverage)
Lodging (Bed & Breakfast: 42 days @ $10/day): $420
Air Fare: Group rates on LANCHILE or LADECO: pending
expected Miami-Santiago round trip fare
Students should expect the cost of the six week program, which
carries up to ten transferable credit hours and includes expenses
for food, lodging, local transportation and out of pocket items
to run approximately $4,400. Payments of $2,500 to VPI and SU
are only for Program and Application fees. All checks should be
made payable to: Virginia Tech Foundation.
Eligibility Requirements: Admission requires strong
speaking/reading skills in Spanish and good university standing.
Submit the following by March 25, 1994: language evaluation
forms, academic transcripts, student essay and two letters of re-
commendation from faculty (at least 1 Latinamericanist).
For more information and application materials contact:
Joseph L. Scarpaci
Urban Affairs and Planning
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0113
Telephone (703) 231-7504
FAX (703) 231-3367
BITNET: SCARP @ VTVM1.CC.VT.EDU