This overview of modern Costa Rican society features discussions of geography, history, religion, social life and ethnicity. Readings are drawn from literature and the social sciences. This time in outlying areas leads students to rely entirely on Spanish and allows them to explore urban and rural contrasts. Student journals and interviews provide the basis for an oral report in the Introduction to Costa Rica course. On returning from the rural stay, students undertake a major research project in the social sciences or humanities related to a theme of the Core Course.
Students generally write their research papers in English.
Past projects have included studies of the status and rights of women in Costa Rican society, the potential for eco-tourism and the results of the Arias peace plan. This course introduces students to the contemporary literature of the region. Class work includes analysis of poetry, fiction and drama. Readings are all in Spanish. Costa Rican authors meet with the class to discuss their work.