Lima & Ayacucho: Understanding Contemporary Peru (Summer)

This program offers seven weeks of instruction in two strikingly diverse Peruvian cities. It provides a combination of experiences both on the coast and in the highlands, and a fascinating introduction to the historical and contemporary realities of the nation.

The program starts in Lima, Peru’s capital, where students enroll in an intensive Spanish-language course or a course on contemporary Peruvian literature. Students then travel to the Andean city of Ayacucho to take a course on Peruvian political history. Students live with Peruvian families in both cities and enjoy excursions to Cuzco and Machu Picchu.

Program Curriculum

The first three weeks of the program are spent in Lima, Peru’s capital. Courses are taught at our partner institution the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Peru. The second three weeks are spent in Ayacucho where courses are held at the Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga. A final week is spent in Cuzco and the surrounding area. Note: Syllabi are for course approval and reference only. Students will receive up-to-date syllabi when their courses begin.

Elective Courses taken in Lima

Students may choose one of the following courses:

CAS LS 304: Composition and Conversation in Spanish II (4 credits)

(Prerequisite: CAS LS 212, fourth-semester college-level Spanish, or the equivalent.) Development of skills in spoken and written Spanish. Grammar review, vocabulary building, frequent compositions. Readings will include texts related to contemporary Peruvian life. Taught in Lima at the Universidad Católica.

CAS LS 452: Topics in Latin American Literature and Culture: Contemporary Peruvian Literature (4)

(Prerequisite: CAS LS 350 or equivalent, or permission of program director.) Analysis of various twentieth-century Peruvian literary works: novels, essays, and short stories. Special attention will be paid to the representation of Peru’s multifaceted social and political realities. Taught in Lima at the Universidad Católica. Syllabus

Required Courses taken in Ayacucho

Students are required to take these two courses in Ayacucho:

CAS PO 465: Peruvian Politics During and After Shining Path (4)

This course provides a broad overview of the dynamics of politics since independence and places it in the larger context of Latin America’s alternation between authoritarianism and democracy. Shining Path’s emergence in Ayacucho and its growing capacity to spread nationwide are analyzed. Written assignments may be completed in English or Spanish. Taught in Ayacucho at the Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga. Syllabus

CAS IP 400: Local Agency Affiliation (2)

Participation in the daily routines of a government agency or non-governmental organization in Ayacucho. Each student is affiliated with an organization as part of their program of study. Among the concerns of these organizations are human rights, women’s issues, nutrition, education, health, resettlement, microcredit, microdevelopment, and reconstructing civil society. A written report is required.  Syllabus

Program Details

Requirements
  • Open to students who have completed a minimum of fourth-semester college-level Spanish or the equivalent, or with permission of the program directors.
  • Students are strongly recommended to apply for their passport by the time they apply to the program.
  • Admissions requirements for all programs
Program Dates
  • Summer Term: July 3 to August 18, 2012
    • Depart U.S.: TBD
    • Program Arrival: July 3, 2012
    • Program End: August 18, 2012
    • Depart Peru: TBD
Cost
  • Summer 2012 Tuition & Fees: $8,200

Cost includes tuition, housing, board, book allowance, field trips, and emergency travel assistance coverage. The cost for Summer 2013 has not yet been announced and will be subject to approval by the Board of Trustees at Boston University. Additional expenses for the summer. Financial aid is available. BU Study Abroad arranges a round-trip group flight that is not included in the program fee. It is recommended that students take this flight.
Credits
  • Upon successful completion of the program, students earn ten Boston University credits. Students must enroll for a total of ten credits.
Housing
  • In Lima and Ayacucho, students live with local Peruvian families. Breakfast and dinner are included. In Lima, lunch may be eaten at any of the Universidad Católica’s cafeterias. In Ayacucho, students take lunch at any of the many inexpensive local eateries. The classes will be held at the local partner universities, and students will have full access to its resources, including the library, Internet, and computers.
Application Deadlines
  • Summer Term: March 1

Download a description of Lima and Ayacucho: Understanding Contemporary Peru

Program Faculty & Staff

The Boston University Peru program is administered by staff in both our Boston and Peru offices. In Boston, a program manager facilitates the admissions and pre-departure procedures, and maintains contact with students prior to their arrival in Peru. The Boston office also houses administrative personnel who are responsible for everyday operations. In Peru, the staff comprises a resident director and administrative, academic, and housing personnel.

Faculty & Staff Profiles

Amber Thacher, Program Manager

Overseas Staff

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