GBL 252 COSTA RICA: LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND ECOTOURISM
The course is an interdisciplinary study combining language, culture, society, and the environment. Course objectives include improving conversational Spanish ability, basic understanding of Costa Rica's development and current issues. Elon students will live with Costa Rican families in a suburban neighborhood and will use public buses and taxis to get around the city. Eight nights will be spent outside of the San Jose area near national parks. Costa Rica is a nation of 5 million people in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama. Unlike other Central American countries which experienced political turmoil in the 1980's, Costa Rica has a long-standing democratic tradition which makes it the most peaceful nation in the region. Over 60 years ago, Costa Rica abolished its army and devoted its resources to education, health care and economic development. It has since become a popular destination for ecotourism. Elon's program is based in the capital city of San Jose, a metropolitan area with a population of 600,000 whose inhabitants enjoy a mild climate which requires neither heating nor air conditioning.. Application and acceptance required. Additional travel fee is required. Counts toward Society or Civilization requirement, and satisfies one unit of experiential learning toward fulfillment of the Experiential Learning Requirement. Counts as an elective for the Latin American studies minor.
Prerequisite
GBL 152 and SPN 121 or two years of high school Spanish