Description

The University of Kansas Summer Language program in Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers students the opportunity to obtain university credit in Spanish courses, improve language skills, and experience Argentinean culture firsthand by living with families in Buenos Aires. Courses are taught by native instructors and KU faculty members and staff, and are held on the downtown campus of the Universidad de San Andrés (UdeSA), Buenos Aires.

Highlights

Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is a 500-year old cosmopolitan city renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Buenos Aires's European influences are apparent in its architecture, culture, and language, and it is known as the "Paris of South America."

Universidad de San Andrés (UdeSA)
The Universidad de San Andrés is a small, private liberal arts university with roots going back to the early 1800s. Our program will be located on the UdeSA's capital campus, which is centrally located in the city and is close to the world-famous Teatro Colón opera house, the Casa Rosada, the Plaza de Mayo, and the Puerto Madero neighborhood.

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 UdeSA faculty. Classes are conducted entirely in Spanish and all courses are required. Classes meet from Monday to Thursday.

Intermediate I
Students who have completed four semesters of college-level coursework or have placed into SPAN 324 & SPAN 328 will enroll in Intermediate I courses:

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. Will not count toward the Spanish major. Requires concurrent enrollment in SPAN 324

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 328 Spanish Conversation Intermediate (2 credits)

Advanced I
Students who have completed SPAN 340, but not SPAN 424 or SPAN 428 will enroll in Advanced I courses:

SPAN 440 Hispanic Studies. (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.

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 428 Spanish Conversation Advanced. (2 credits)

Advanced II
Students who have completed SPAN 424 and SPAN 428 will enroll in Advanced II courses:

SPAN 440 Hispanic Studies. (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.

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.

SPAN 370 Spanish Conversation Advanced. (2 credits)
Cultural Activities

Students will participate in cultural activities and local fieldtrips, gaining firsthand experience of different aspects of Argentinean culture. Some examples of these activities and local fieldtrips are the following:

Examples of local fieldtrips include:

* A boat tour of El Tigre, a town on the delta of the Rio la Plata
* A visit to an estancia (ranch) with a demonstration of traditional gaucho (cowboy) skills
* Visits to museums
* Tango lessons and shows

Accommodations

All students are housed with Argentinean host families. Breakfast and dinner every day (except for Saturday dinners) are provided with the host family.
Dates

Depart U.S.: TBD - May 2012
Arrive Argentina: TBD - May 2012
Depart Argentina:TBD July 2012

Credit
Eight hours of undergraduate credit are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Experience Required

yes

Open to students from accredited U.S. colleges or universities who have completed four semesters (or the equivalent) of college-level Spanish. Minimum 2.5 GPA.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Scholarships are Available

KU students who qualify for summer financial aid in the form of Stafford and/or other loans, Pell or SEOG Grants, and scholarships may apply the aid to the cost of a Study Abroad Program. Limited KU Study Abroad supplemental scholarships are available to KU degree seeking students. Applications are available online. The scholarship application deadline is March 1 for Summer programs

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

University of Kansas's Mission Statement

The university is dedicated to preparing its students for lives of learning and for the challenges educated citizens will encounter in an increasingly complex and diverse global community. Over 100 programs of international study and cooperative research are available for KU students and faculty at sites throughout the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and the rest of the world. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.