Academics
Courses      Faculty

Courses

Syllabi are for course approval and reference only. Students will receive up-to-date syllabi when their courses begin.

University courses are taught in Spanish by USFQ faculty. Students enroll in five to six semester-long courses in the liberal arts and sciences for a total of 15 to 18 Boston University credits.

USFQ Courses

Because course offerings tend to change, some of the courses listed may not be available during the specific academic year or semester that a student plans to study abroad. Likewise, many additional courses may be offered that are not listed here. The course titles provide a general idea of the types of courses at the USFQ. Final course selection takes place in Quito.

Anthropology

Amazon Societies: Society, Ecology, and Development
Discusses the principal ecological, socioeconomic, and political characteristics of tropical rainforest society. Analyzes the impact of development and exploitation of natural resources in the Amazon and the search for alternatives that will promote biological, linguistic, and cultural diversity in the area. Anthropology faculty. 3 cr.

Andean Anthropology
Recommended. Analyzes the different groups that live in the Andes. This course studies these groups in terms of their different histories, economic relations, ethnicity, and cosmologies. Students analyze the different problems that these societies face and the manner in which they handle them. Anthropology faculty. 3 cr. Syllabus

Anthropology of Medicine
Examines the principal diseases that affect people, with emphasis placed on those diseases that affect people living in high poverty areas. Students analyze the different manner in which people confront the sick and the interaction between medicinal models and practices in cosmopolitan versus rural areas. Anthropology faculty. 3 cr.

Ethnography
Helps the student develop and apply different anthropological concepts and models in the investigation and study of different social groups. Anthropology faculty. 3 cr.

Archaeology

Introduction to Archaeology
Reviews the principal archaeological theories. This course studies human diversity with regard to social, economic, and cultural organization. Students analyze human groups from different parts of the world. Anthropology faculty. 3 cr.

Art History

Ecuadorian Art I: Hispanic Quito
Studies art as it developed in Quito during the 16th through 19th centuries. A close look at the influences and characteristics on the Quito School that are particular to each period of time. Field trips to important monuments and museums are an integral part of this course. Art History faculty. 3 cr.

Ecuadorian Art II: Twentieth Century
Examines Ecuadorian art as it developed in the 20th century. Field trips to important museums and contemporary art galleries are an integral part of this course. Art History faculty. 3 cr.

History of Art I
Review of prehistoric, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, Etruscan, Roman, Christianity in Rome from 313 A.D., and the art of Europe to the 14th century. Art History faculty. 3 cr.

History of Art II
Examines the development of art from the 15th through the 19th centuries. Periods covered include the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical eras as well as the movements of the 19th century. Art History faculty. 3 cr.

History of Art 1900–1945
Studies the architecture, sculpture, and painting of World War II. Art History faculty. 3 cr.

Latin American Art and Iconography
Examines the architecture, sculpture, and painting of the three most important Latin American art centers—Mexico, Cuzco, and Lima—during the sixteenth through eighteenth centuries. Art History faculty. 3 cr.

Economics

All courses in Economics (except for Introduction to Economics) carry the following prerequisites:

CAS EC 101 Introductory Microeconomic Analysis
CAS EC 102 Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis
CAS EC 111 Introductory to Microeconomic Analysis
CAS EC 112 Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis (or the equivalent)

Agricultural Economics
Explores the general fundamentals of the agricultural market system and the economic relationships between agriculture and the rest of a nation’s economy. This course studies the agricultural market structure and determination of prices, and analyzes the agricultural situation in Ecuador and its contribution to economic growth. Economics faculty. 3 cr.

Economic Development
Critical review of the evolution of the theories of development. This course is a comparative analysis of the degree of economic and socioeconomic development in different countries, focusing on various cases and experiences. Students analyze the role of the state, the private sector, outside sectors, and the market of those countries. Particular emphasis is paid to the actual state and the changes in the poverty and wealth levels in Ecuador. Economics faculty. 3 cr.

Economy of Natural Resources
Additional prerequisite: must be an Ecology major. Basic study of the economic perspective of resource problems and the environment. Provides the economic-environmental principals for critical analysis and decision-making. Demonstrates in economic terms the value of biological diversity. Economics faculty. 3 cr.

History of Economic Thought
Analysis of the development of economic thought throughout time. Emphasis is placed on the origins and relevance of contemporary economics. Students study the contributions of, among others, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Locke, Mill, Malthus, Marx, Hayek, Keynes, and Friedman. Economics faculty. 3 cr.

Introduction to Economics
Introduction to economic concepts, methodologies, schools of thought, and basic techniques. This course presents the basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. It provides the student with a minimum base from which he or she can comprehend economic phenomena such as scarcity, nominal versus real prices, unemployment, inflation, and economic growth. Economics faculty. 3 cr.

Environmental Studies

Defensible Development and Management of Renewable Resources
Prerequisite: basic courses in ecology. Focuses on the concepts of sustained control of the natural resources related to development: strategies of conservation, creation of poles of development based on the renewable natural resources, review of cases related to distinct categories of resources, identification and study of the resources most apt to be managed in Ecuador, and the problem of their management. Environmental Studies faculty. 3 cr.

Forest Ecology and Forestry
Prerequisite: basic courses in Biology and Ecology. Examines the structure and functions of the forest and ecosystems of the forest. The class focuses on the neotropical forests and the forest communities of Ecuador, the management of the natural forests and of production in the different ecological zones, as well as methods and programs of reforestation, principle groups and species with productive potential, and management of the protection of rivers and forests. Environmental Studies faculty. 3 cr.

General Agricultural Ecology
Prerequisite: basic courses in Ecology. Focuses on the regional ecology of Ecuador and the aptitude of the ecosystem for different agricultural activities and systems. The course looks at the characteristics of the land, fertilizers and pesticides and their impact on production and the environment, agricultural forestry, agricultural pastoral forestry, and agricultural industries. Environmental Studies faculty. 3 cr.

Institutional Organization of Conservation
Introductory seminar to the public institutions and governmental, intergovernmental, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in the management of the environment; the continued development, management, and use of natural resources; and environmental protection. Environmental Studies faculty. 3 cr.

Natural Areas of Ecuador
Focuses on the protected natural areas of Ecuador. Categorized as protected on a global, regional, or national level with a focus on the national system of protection. Fundamental characteristics of the protected areas, problems with control, aspects of planning, programs of conservation, education, science, and tourism. Visits to certain areas included. Environmental Studies faculty. 3 cr.

Principles of Water Culture
Studies various types of cultivation of fresh water and seashores and their biological and ecological characteristics, physical instillation, methods of cultivation, both extensive and intensive. Students also examine aspects of nutrition, control of diseases and maintenance of the quality of the water, and environmental problems. The course takes place primarily in the countryside. There will be labs. Environmental Studies faculty. 3 cr.

Geology

Economic Geology
Fossil fuels and Ecuadorian mineral resources: how they are formed, how they are found and exploited, and environmental impact. Geology faculty. 3 cr.

The Geology of Ecuador
The geology of Ecuador in the context of its tectonic plate setting: volcanoes, earthquakes, Galápagos Islands, oil, mineral deposits, Andean evolution, and basin formation. Geology faculty. 3 cr.

History

Andean History
An introductory study of the historical and socioeconomic process of the countries in the Andean area. The course deals with themes that convey a clear understanding of the economic, political, and social aspects. History faculty. 3 cr.

Economic History of Ecuador
A historical analysis of economics in the agricultural, industrial, and financial sectors from 1820 to today. The course emphasizes the emergence of social groups and the contribution of each one to the economic development, as well as the relationship between the government and the economy. History faculty. 3 cr.

The Enlightenment in Ecuador
A general but complete vision of the dominant thinking during the period before independence. The course focuses on the most important colonial writer, Eugenio Espejo. The students must critically bring face to face their thoughts of the past and the present. History faculty. 3 cr.

History of Ecuador: Pre-Hispanic and Hispanic
Explores the cultural process, from the pre-Hispanic period to the 19th century, seen from the projected images of the societies as generators of their own destiny. This allows students to better understand Ecuadorian reality. History faculty. 3 cr.

History of Ecuadorian Thought
A chronicle of the diverse forms of thought in Ecuadorian history, in relation to economic, social, and political processes, from the formation of the university during Spanish colonialism until the beginning of the twentieth century. History faculty. 3 cr.

History of the Republics of Latin America
A socioeconomic and historical analysis of the formation of the sovereign states in the 20th century until today. The course focuses on the liberal phenomenon in Europe and the events in Hispanic-America from the formation and development of the countries of the continent, to the distinct social and political movements that have had an influence on the Hispanic-American countries during the twentieth century. History faculty. 3 cr.

International Relations

External Politics of the Andean Countries
Prerequisite: introductory International Relations course work. The foreign politics of Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela since the beginning of the republican period. The course emphasizes the contemporary problems and the relation of Andean countries with their greatest potential: the viability of an integrated Andean area. The course also looks at the interstate conflicts in the Andes. International Relations faculty. 3 cr.

International Relations and the Modern World
Prerequisite: introductory international relations course work. Concentrates primarily on the most recent debates of international relations. It explores transformations in the global political economy viewed through classic authors (Carr, Polanyi, and Deutsch) and through contemporary authors (Cox, Gilpin, Strange, and Harvey). In particular, it examines how the School of Regulation has impacted the study of international relations by way of recent changes. International Relations faculty. 3 cr.

Introduction to International Relations
An introduction to the study of international relations, from an interdisciplinary perspective. The class examines the evolution of the modern international system, the two paradigms: Idealism and Realism, the three traditions: Hobbes, Kant, and Grocio, and the principle debates in terms of contemporary problems. International Relations faculty. 3 cr. Syllabus

United States and Latin American Relations
The foreign policy of the United States toward Latin America since independence to contemporary time. The course examines the design of US foreign policy and how it is implemented in the region. We explore some of the mechanisms of interaction between the two. The class also analyzes the myths and stereotypes that contribute to cooperation and conflict. International Relations faculty. 3 cr.

Latin American Themes
Recommended. Examines the contemporary themes of Latin America, paying special attention to the dictatorial, revolutionary, and democratic processes. The course emphasizes the Ecuadorian experience but also takes examples from other countries in the region. Political Science faculty. 3 cr.

Philosophy

Moral, Political, and Social Philosophy
Studies the following themes: social order, liberalism, communism, naturalism, utilitarianism, nationalism, totalitarianism, and neoliberalism. Philosophy faculty. 3 cr.

Philosophy of the Natural Sciences
Attempts to ascertain the distinction between the scientific and unscientific; the problem of understanding of natural phenomena; the controversy that arose from the works of Kuhn, Feyerabend, Lakatos, and Popper; the relationship between scientific theory and experimental practice; the problem of scientific justification; and the question of nature. Philosophy faculty. 3 cr.

Professional Ethics
Analyzes the spiritual and intellectual aspects of human behavior and concentrates on the problems such as the freedom to be human, the tension between creativity and necessity for nourishment, the distribution of scarce medical resources, abortion, and the organization of the worker and the poor. Philosophy faculty. 3 cr.

Political Science

Latin American Politics and Thought
Analyzes the specific developments of the different Latin American states and their interrelationship with the principle tendencies of political thought in the region. Political Science faculty. 3 cr.

Politics and Society in Ecuador
An introduction to contemporary Ecuadorian politics. Examining the history of the races and their relations and the impact of this on the evolution of the society of the country. We will examine the institutions, the parties, and the major players of the political system in the context of the current principles of thought. Political Science faculty. 3 cr.

Theories of Development
Analysis of the principal economic and sociological models of development: classical, neoclassical, dualistic, critical, and structural dependence. The course focuses on the development and underdevelopment in Latin America and in contemporary Ecuador. The themes explored include agricultural transformation, urbanization, demographic changes, nutritional situations, the environment, cultural changes, external debt, the informal sector, and the search for solutions. Political Science faculty. 3 cr.

Psychology

Labor Ecology
Prerequisite: one course in Organizational Psychology. Study of the knowledge and principles of ergonomics (form of the human body) for the design and redesign of places and environments of work with the final goal of bettering the work environment. Psychology faculty. 3 cr.

Organizational Psychology
Prerequisite: one course in Social Psychology. Study of the applications of psychology to the work place. Emphasizing topics such as the selection of personnel, decision making, motivation and work attitudes, human engineering, organizational processes, styles of leading, and the climate of the organizations. Psychology faculty. 3 cr.

Psychology of Development
Study of the physical, social, and emotional development from infancy through old age. An analysis of the psychological theories about the origin and consequences of human development. Psychology faculty. 3 cr.

Social Psychology
Introduction to the knowledge, theories, methods, and problems dealing with the socialization of people. The class studies the basis of social processes, attitudes, values and roles, public opinion, propaganda and communication, as well as personal participation in society. Psychology faculty. 3 cr.

Quichua Language

Basic Quichua I
Introduction to the study of the language in its different contexts: historical, cultural, and social-linguistic. A study of the fundamental structures of the language, and an incorporation of basic vocabulary to facilitate oral and written communication. Discussion of the two forms of writing unified as Ecuadorian and Andean. Practice exercises in classroom and countryside conversation. The overall goal of the course is the development of the different linguistic abilities of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course also focuses on the study of texts from the oral tradition with different dialects of the Ecuadorian Sierras. There are also field trips to the countryside. Quichua Language faculty. 3 cr.

Basic Quichua II
Prerequisite: Basic Quichua I. A deeper study of the language, putting emphasis on the analysis of the actual situation of the language in the contexts of oral and written communication in related fields of education and culture of the Quichuan village. Continuing the study of the basic structure of the language with the incorporation of new vocabulary utilizing the criteria of creation and coining of Quichuan terminology by means of the use of disposable neologisms, all in relation to contemporary life, with the final goal of guaranteeing oral and written communication. Study of the principal didactic materials utilized in bilingual education, in order to reinforce the development of the linguistic abilities. Quichua Language faculty. 3 cr.

Sociology

General Sociology
Introduction to the theories, concepts, and methods of sociology. Analyzes the basic structures of social structure including culture, social roles, socialization, naturalization of groups, stratification and social mobility, bureaucracy, and social change. Sociology faculty. 3 cr.

Politics and Development
Prerequisite: one introductory course in sociology. The formal and informal roles of the political institutions in the process of development. The effects of international politics on development. Sociology faculty. 3 cr.

Rural Sociology
Prerequisite: one introductory course in sociology. An analysis of the theories, concepts, and methodology of sociology, applied to the rural sector—particularly to the Ecuadorian system of agriculture and cattle raising, including changes in the structure of agriculture and of the rural community, the structure and finance of the agricultural industry, agricultural politics, agricultural and cattle-raising technology, and the use of energy and environmental problems. Sociology faculty. 3 cr.

Urban Sociology
Prerequisite: one introductory course in sociology. The social and spatial structure of the city and the major transformations of the 20th century, with an emphasis on the Ecuadorian situation. We take into consideration the social groups that make up the urban population, the industry, the informal urban sector and the migration from rural-urban settings. Sociology faculty. 3 cr.

Spanish Language and Literature

The “Boom”
Studies literature written after World War II. Authors reviewed include Borges, Sábato, Onetti, Rulfo, Cortázar, Fuentes, García Márquez, and Vargas Llosa. Spanish Language faculty. 3 cr. Syllabus

The Ecuadorian Novel
Studies the following contemporary novelists: Aguilera Malta, Gilbert, Palacio, Adoum, J.M. Rodr’guez, Yánez Cossío Cárdenas, Ubidia, and Vásconez. Spanish Language faculty. 3 cr.

Ecuadorian Poetry
Studies the following poets: Escudero, Carrera Andrade, Dávila Andrade, Adoum, Astudillo, Jara, Pazos, and Oñate. Spanish Language faculty. 3 cr.

Feminist Literature
Asks, “Why does feminist literature exist?” and looks at feminism on a universal level. This course analyzes the works of de Shelley, Wolf, Castro-Klarén, Traba, Castellanos, Ferré, Yánez Cossio, Serrano, Muñoz, Peri-Rossi, and Lispector. Spanish Language faculty. 3 cr.

Orthography Without Tears
Review of orthography with a modern method so that students can write correctly, avoid atavistic errors in their daily use of the language, and exercise their visual, psychological, and aural resources. Spanish Language faculty. 3 cr.

The Spanish-American Story
Examines the literary movement of the Spanish-American storyteller. Focuses on romanticism, naturalism, and modernism. Authors reviewed include Echevería, Dario, Quiroga, Borges, Rulfo, Mallea, Onetti, García Márquez, Cortázar, and Menéndez Lean. Spanish Language faculty. 3 cr.

Other Areas of Study at USFQ

Although not listed in detail in this catalog, coursework in the following subjects is also available at the USFQ: administration, agriculture, American studies, architecture, biology, chemistry, communications, computer science, culinary arts, dance, film, fine arts, ecology, ecotourism, education, engineering, English, English as a second language, finance, graphic design, hospitality, marketing, mathematics, medicine, multimedia, music, nutrition, publicity, photography, radio and television, and theater. Courses in the following languages are also available: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, and Sanskrit.

Community Placement

Students have the option to participate in a local community placement for two academic credits.

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Faculty

All courses are taught in Spanish by fully-qualified professors appointed to teach at the university level.

Anthropology (ANT)

Carmen Anhalzer: PhD, University of Florida at Gainesville.

Maria del Carmen Molestina: Doctorate, Archaeology, Universidad Navarra, Spain.

Diego Quiroga: PhD, Anthropology and Sociology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; BA, University of California at Berkeley. He is the coordinator of the department and dean of students for USFQ.

Art History (ARH)

Margarita Espinosa: BA, Art History, University of Navarra, Spain. She is the coordinator of the department.

Trinidad Pérez: MA, University of Texas at Austin; BA, University of Maryland at College Park.

Mónica Vorbeck de la Torre: BA, Art History, University of Vienna, Austria.

Economics (ECN)

Gustavo Arteta: PhD, Economics, George Mason University.

Efraín Cazar Moncayo: MA, Economics, University of Idaho.

Rafael Correa Delgado: PhD, Economics, Universidad de Lovaina La Nueva, Bélgica.

Pedro Delgado Campaña: MS, INCAE, Costa Rica.

Rosa Matilde Guerrero Murgeytio: MA Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Mexico; BA, Universidad Católica de Quito, Ecuador.

Christian Langpap: MS, Economics, University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Samantha Roberts: PhD, Economics, University of Pittsburgh.

Environmental Studies (REC)

Carlos Fabara Ordoñez: Doctorate, Chemistry, Universidad Central del Ecuador; MS, Chemistry, University of Arizona.

Jorge Jurado Mosquera: P., Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ecuador.

Enrique Laso Gonzalez: Degree in Forestry, Universidad de Los Andes, Venezuela.

Gunther Reck: Doctorate, Marine Science, Universität Kiel, Germany; Undergraduate studies, Universität Freiburg, Germany. He is the coordinator of the Environmental Studies department.

Roberto Troya Villacorta: MS, Harvard University.

Roberto Ulloa Vaca: MA, Natural Resources, Ohio State University.

Carlos A. Valle Castillo: PhD, Ecology, Princeton University.

Philosophy (FIL)

Alex Pienknagura: PhD, Philosophy, University of Massachusetts at Amherst; MA, BA, Philosophy, Michigan State University. He is the coordinator of the Philosophy department.

Lily Brinkmann: Licenciada, Philosophy and Letters, Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador; Doctorate, MA, Education, IICE Universidad Navarra, Spain.

Carlos Freile Granizo: Doctorate, Wilhem Universität, Germany; Ciclo de Licenciatura, Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad Católica del Ecuador. He is the coordinator of the Philosophy department.

Santiago Gangotena Ribadineira: MBA, University of New Mexico.

William Mulcahey: S.S.L., Bible Studies, Pontificio Instituto Bíblico, Italy.

Juan Manuel Rodríguez Lopez: Doctorate, Literature, P.U.C.E., Ecuador; Licenciatura, Philosophy, Universidad Católica del Ecuador.

Geology (GEO)

Miguel Mora: D.Phil., Geology, St. Anne’s College, University of Oxford, England.

Karen Ogden: D.Phil., MA, Geology, Wolfson College, University of Oxford, England; BA, St. Hugh’s College, University of Oxford, England.

History (HIS)

Carmen Anhalzer: Please see her profile under anthropology.

Claudio Creamer: Doctoral Studies in Economics, Universidad Nacional Autónoma, Mexico; D.Phil., P.U.C.E., Ecuador; MBA, I.E.S.A., Venezuela; BA, Syracuse University.

Carlos Espinoza Fernandez de Cordoba: PhD, History, University of Chicago; BA, Tufts University.

Carlos Freile Granizo: Doctorate, Wilhem Universität, Germany; Ciclo de Licenciatura, Universidad Católica de Chile and Universidad Católica del Ecuador. He is the coordinator of the History department.

MarÍa del Carmen Molestina: Please see her profile under anthropology.

William Mulcahey: S.S.L., Bible Studies, Pontificio Instituto Bíblico, Italy.

International Relations (REL)

Pamela Burke: PhD candidate, University of Maryland.

Raìl Carrera López: PhD, International Relations and Development, MA, International Relations and Latin American Studies, University of Miami; BA, Queen’s College. He is the coordinator of the International Relations department.

Claudio Creamer: Please see his profile under history.

Carlos Espinosa Fernandez de Cordoba: Please see his profile under history.

Giancarlo Soler: Please see his profile under history.

Political Science (POL)

José Ignacio Albuja Izurieta: JD, Pontífica Universidad Católica, Ecuador.

Greg Bucholz: Please see his profile under economics.

Claudio Creamer: He is the coordinator of the Political Science department. Please see his profile under history.

Jessica Ehlers de Gallegos: PhD, Sociology, City University of New York.

Jorje Zalles Santivañez: MBA, Harvard University; BA, Yale University.

Psychology (SIC)

Teresa Borja Alverez: PhD, MA, Psychology, University of Western Ontario, Canada. She is the coordinator of the department.

Alicia Brauer Cornejo: Degree in Clinical Psychology, Universidad Católica, Ecuador.

Jaime Costales Peñaherrera: PhD, Transpersonal Psychology, Pacific Western University.

Monserrate Checa: Postgraduate degree, Development Studies, Institute for Social Sciences, The Hague, Holland.

Jessica Guarderas: MS, Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

Quichua Language (LNA)

Renaud Neubauer: Licenciado, Chinese, Université de Paris III; MA, Chinese, l’INALCO, Paris; Diplomé, Korean and Quechua, l’INALCO, Paris; Diplomé, Chinese and Japanese, l’ENLOV. He is the coordinator of the Asian and American language department.

Spanish Language (ESP)

Luis Antonio Aguilar Monsalve: PhD, Hispanic Languages and Cultures, California Coast University. He is the coordinator of the Spanish Language department.

José Julio Cisneros Merino: PhD, Latin American Studies, University of Pittsburgh.

Gustavo Fierro Cevallos: PhD, Linguistics, Georgetown University.

Laura Hidalgo Alzamora: Doctorate, Literature, Licenciatura, Castillian Pedagogy, P.U.C.E., Ecuador.

Juan Manuel Rodríguez Lopez: Please see his profile under philosophy.

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