CIP 202: Introduction to Global Studies: Culturally Speaking in Nicaragua
Interim 2016 (May 15-29)
Faculty Director & Instructor : Frannie James; Frannie.james@ua.edu
; 205-657-3816; 121-F BB Comer
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduction to Global Studies: Culturally Speaking in Nicaragua (aka CIP 202 in Nicaragua ) aims to provide the opportunity for a student to achieve the objectives of CIP 202: Introduction to Global Studies – Culturally Speaking in a practical / experiential setting. In other words, the stage will be set so that a student can approach all endeavors
(academic, professional, & personal) with an international perspective. Specifically, the educational objectives are:
• to provide the student with vocabulary and resources appropriate for global study, which is the academic study of political, economic, social and cultural relationships between people and nations
• to provide the student with an international perspective, from which the student’s place in the world is understood via knowledge and awareness of the ways in which culture shapes values, which in turn shape society
• to provide this awareness via a focus on Intercultural Communication, Current Events, and Contemporary
International Issues
CIP 202 is the introductory course for UA’s Global Studies Certificate (GSC), which is designed to introduce the undergraduate student to the cultural, economic, physical, and political aspects of being a world citizen in the 21 st century.
The emphasis of the GSC is the contemporary rather than the historical; thus, meeting the course objectives in an international setting is highly relevant.
CIP 202 in Nicaragua consists of two weeks at La Mariposa Group Study Center (a part of La Mariposa Spanish School &
Sustainable Tourism Foundation ). It includes afternoon weekday classes (3.5 hours per day). Classroom time consists of
Spanish language study (conversation & grammar) and Global Studies. Spanish language study will be 1:1 or 2, led by the staff of La Mariposa. Global Studies will be led by the UA Faculty Director and will consist of readings, lectures, & discussion of intercultural communication, environmental, and development issues. The focus of these three issues will be on the local community and how students can then apply their knowledge and awareness to the world at large. Mornings will consist of activities & lectures & presentations organized by La Mariposa. One week of evenings will consist of films, discussions, and reflection sessions to consolidate the day’s learning; the other week of evenings will be spent in individual homestays with Nicaraguan families, organized by La Mariposa. Weekends will consist of excursions organized by La
Mariposa.
CIP 202 in Nicaragua also includes three mandatory pre-departure sessions. One is that required by Capstone International
Academic Programs for all UA students participating in UA Education Abroad programs. The other two will be led by the UA
Faculty Director for CIP 202 in Nicaragua . The first of these will be a two-hour session held during the first week of April.
There will then be an additional two-hour session held during the second week of April. These latter two meetings will be held at a time most convenient for all; if need be, make-up sessions will be held.
TEXTBOOKS / READINGS
There will be a packet of readings available for purchase by the first week of April. This will be available via the UA Supply Store.
OUTLINE OF TOPICS
• Trip logistics (departure info, insurance, what to take, what to leave, etc.)
• Overview of Nicaraguan cultural norms
• Overview of Nicaraguan history & current situation (focus on local issues such as education & water supply)
• Overview of agricultural situation (sustainable agriculture movements, land distribution issues, canal plans)
• Local problems & solutions viewed via the lens of La Mariposa Projects
• La Mariposa project work

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DIVERSITY AND NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
As an academic community, UA’s educational mission is enhanced by the robust exchange of ideas that occurs between a diverse student body, faculty, and staff within a respectful and inclusive learning environment. As a campus community we are dedicated to the pursuit of personal and academic excellence, to advancing the ideals of individual worth and human dignity, and to maintaining a nurturing and respectful learning environment. All members of the UA community are expected to contribute positively to the environment and to refrain from behaviors that threaten the freedom or respect that every member of our community deserves.
The University of Alabama is committed to providing an inclusive environment that is free from harassment or discrimination based on race, genetic information, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, political beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, ability, size, or veteran status. The University of Alabama prohibits any verbal or physical conduct that 
 threatens or endangers the health or safety of any individual or group, 
 including physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, stalking, intimidation, 
 harassment, sexual misconduct, coercion, and/or other communication or conduct that creates a hostile living or learning environment. Harassment or other illegal discrimination against individuals or groups not only is a violation of University Policy and subject to disciplinary action, but also is inconsistent with the values and ideals of the University. See the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs for more information.
GRADING
200 points (20%) Reading a small set of articles before travelling to Nicaragua + submitting a 2-3 page reflection on the readings prior to departure
500 points (50%) Attendance and actively engaged Participation in Daily Classes & Excursions.
300 points (30%) Reflective 5-7 page essay on the overall experience; due within a week after returning to the U.S.
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 1000
900-1000 A 800-899 B 700-799 D 600-699 D
Specific details regarding the above “assignments” will be provided during the mandatory two-hour pre-departure session held during the second week of April.
SCHEDULE (rough – to give a general idea of what to expect)
Sun. May 15 th Fly to Managua; airport transportation provided by La Mariposa; settle in a La Mariposa Group Study Center
Mon. May 16 th 7:30am: breakfast at Group Study Center
8-11am: Overview of the history of Nicaragua & current situation + walk through local community of La
Concepcíon – discussion of religion, culture & local issues (such as education & water supply
Noon: lunch at Group Study Center
1-3pm: Spanish conversation class (SP)
3:30-5: Global Studies class (GS)
6pm: dinner at Group Study Center
Evening: relaxing at the group study center – films, discussion, reflection sessions
Tues. May 17 th 7:30am: breakfast at Group Study Center
8-11am: Overview of agricultural situation – discussion of sustainable agriculture movements, land distribution issues, and the planned canal; pro-con debate on the canal, including a local political figure
Noon: lunch at Group Study Center
1-3pm: SP
3:30-5: GS

6pm: dinner at Group Study Center
Evening: relaxing at the group study center – films, discussion, reflection session; maybe go into “town”
Wed. May 18 th 7:30am: breakfast at Group Study Center
8-11am: Visit the Mariposa projects to see local problems & solutions (the primary school projects, the community gardens, the community center, reforestation projects, water projects, etc.)
Noon: lunch at Group Study Center
1-3pm: SP
3:30-5: GS
6pm: dinner at Group Study Center
Evening: homestay prep
Thurs. May 19 th 7:30am: breakfast at Group Study Center
8-11am: La Mariposa project work
Fri. May 20
Noon: lunch at Group Study Center
1-3pm: SP
3:30-5: GS
5:30: to individual homestay
Dinner with homestay
Breakfast with homestay
8-11am: La Mariposa project work
Noon: lunch at Group Study Center
1-3pm: SP
3:30-5: GS
5:30: to individual homestay
Dinner with homestay
Sat. May 21 st Breakfast with homestay
Day trip to the Pueblos Blancos (shopping) and Laguna de Apoyo (swimming, relaxing, lunch*)
Dinner with homestay
Sun. May 22 nd Breakfast with homestay
Rest (hiking & horseback riding options + salsa & yoga options; OR, spend day with host family)
Dinner with homestay
Mon. May 23 rd Breakfast with homestay
8-11am: La Mariposa project work
Noon: lunch at Group Study Center
1-3pm: SP
3:30-5pm: GS
5:30: to individual homestay
Dinner with homestay
Tues. May 24 th Breakfast with homestay
8-11am: La Mariposa project work
Noon: lunch at Group Study Center
1-3pm: SP
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3:30-5pm: GS
5:30: to individual homestay
Dinner with homestay
Wed. May 25 th Breakfast with homestay
8-11am: La Mariposa project work
Noon: lunch at Group Study Center
1-3pm: SP
3:30-5pm: GS
5:30: to individual homestay (last night  )
Dinner with homestay
Thurs. May 26 th Breakfast with homestay
8-11am: Hike through local countryside; reflect on & discuss local issues
Noon: lunch at Group Study Center
Fri. May 27 th :
1-3pm: SP
3:30-5pm: GS
6pm: dinner at Group Study Center
Evening: relax at Group Study Center or go into town
7:30am: breakfast at Group Study Center
Day trip to Masaya; discussion of history & culture (museum, artisan workers, also shopping opportunities & lunch*)
6pm: dinner at Group Study Center
Evening: unwind at Group Study Center or go into town
Sat. May 28 th : 7:30am: breakfast at Group Study Center
Day trip to Granada (museums, churches, optional boat trip to Las Isletas*, lunch*
6pm: dinner at Group Study Center
Evening: reflect on program
Sun. May 29 th
*personal expenses
Depart from Managua; airport transport provided by La Mariposa
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