There are at least 10 field study exercises conducted in a wide variety of habitats. In addition to the lectures given by the faculty, at least 10 guest lecturers talk about their research in Costa Rica. There is also an eight-day field trip to a variety of tropical ecosystems. This class combines instruction in Spanish conversation with an introduction to rural culture in Costa Rica. Agroecology is an introduction to the realities of rural agriculture, conservation, and land use in the Neotropics.
Participants visit sugar mills, coffee plantations, and dairy farms and speak with local farmers.
The course includes a lecture and field trip each Friday. Opportunities are provided to learn about historical, political, and social factors influencing land use in Central America. Classroom instruction in Spanish language is designed to accommodate all levels of proficiency. In addition, students are involved in experiencias under the guidance of the course instructor, researching and reporting on particular topics, usually by interviewing Spanish speaking residents of the region. Participants have two hours of language instruction twice a week.