Chile

Deadline extended!

Dates (tentative): TBA

Group leader(s): Prof. Anny Rivera-Ottenberger (a.rivera-ottenberger@neu.edu) and Prof. Gonzalo Delamaza (Universidad de Los Lagos, Chile)

Course description:

Chile: A Case Study in Globalization, Democratic Transition and Development

Chile has long been regarded as a showcase for its successful incorporation into the global economy, and for its peaceful return to democracy after almost two decades of military dictatorship. In 2000, Chileans elected the first women President in the country's history, a Socialist who has promised long-due social reforms, making the country part of the Pink Tide, or the moderate reformist governments that have swept Latin America in the new millennium.

This course provides the analytical and experiential tools to understand the "Chilean experiment" It emphasizes the consolidation of democracy since the 1990s, the success and shortcomings of the export-oriented development and the adaptation of Chilean citizens and organizations to these changes. We explore the still unresolved issues of human rights, poverty and inequality.

Students can choose to study in depth the politics and economy of Chile, or to opt for a community development track, that will concentrate on grassroots organizations and NGOs. These tracks will have a common core, and all students will experience both dimensions of contemporary Chile.

The core of the class will be a series of lectures by the lead professors Rivera and Delamaza, and lectures by invited specialists, most of the time delivered in their academic or professional workplaces. We will have also have field visits to relevant places, such as the heart of the Chilean "agricultural miracle," the Aconcagua valley; poor neighborhoods and government institutions. We will complement these with cultural activities, a visit to Valparaiso (a historical port named by UNESCO "patrimony of humanity") and several other places of cultural and artistic interest. The course will be based in the capital city, Santiago. The classes will take place either in the Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (Flacso: www.flacso.cl), in the main campus of the Universidad Cat�lica de Chile (PUC: http://www.puc.cl/) or Universidad de los Lagos http://www.ulagos.cl/campus/santiago.php. Daily lecture sessions will last an average of 3 hours.

Course credits: IAFU938 and POLU938

Cost of program: Most major costs will be covered by summer tuition. There may be an additional program fee depending on length of stay in-country, airline ticket prices, or other extra expenses. Students will be responsible for some meals (dinners cost approx. 15 US$) and spending money.

Application Process: The program is open to students of any major, but priority will be given to upperclass students. Basic command of Spanish is required. Although many lectures will be conducted in English, students without basic command of the language will not be able to take advantage of experiences with community/grassroots' organizations and leaders.
Download the Dialogue of Civilizations application, enrollment form, and waiver form. Turn in the completed forms to Cynthia Rapp in the International Affairs Office, 270 Holmes Hall.

Application Deadline: January 10, 2008

Disclaimer: Some information posted here is tentative and subject to change based on costs and dates of available flights. The website is updated as current information becomes available.