Program Overview
In 2010 Chile will celebrate its bicentennial as a nation and a new president will be inaugurated. The city of Santiago promises to be abuzz with cultural activities, and the moment will be perfect for carefully reflecting on where Chile has been and where it is headed in the new millennium. Our course will examine the trajectory of Chilean history, politics and culture over the past forty years. Starting with the socialist revolution of Salvador Allende (1970-1973) and its historical underpinnings, we will study in depth the legacies of the Pinochet dictatorship (1973-1990) and the problems of Chile’s transition to democracy (1990-present). Central to the course will be a discussion of how Chileans have attempted to deal with the trauma of political violence and script historical memory. We will also look at the political and social issues that stand at the forefront of debates on Chile today. Cultural activities and guest lectures by prominent Chilean scholars and activists will be combined with field trips to historical sites in and around Santiago. Excursions will include visits to the homes of Nobel Prize winning poet Pablo Neruda as well as many other fun folkloric and cultural activities. No prerequisites.
Photo Gallery for Revolution, Dictatorship, Democracy, Chile: 1970-2010
Program Highlights
- Discover the richness of Chile’s history and culture on one of the most inexpensive programs offered by summer abroad!
- Figure out why Chile’s political and historical experience over the past 40 years is so important on a global scale and intimately intertwined with US history!
- Experience the music of Victor Jara, the poetry of Pablo Neruda, the promise of the revolutionary era, the pain of the dictatorship, the dilemmas of the transition to democracy, the warmth of the Chilean people, the wonder of the Andes, and the bounty of one of the world’s most geographically diverse nations.
Courses
Spanish 175. Topics in Spanish American Cultural Studies* (4)
Specific historical tendencies and issues in Spanish American culture(s) from precolombian times to present. Sources studied may include literature, film, art, journalism and performance. Approaches to material may address issues of aesthetics, politics, identity, and globalization. May be repeated one time for credit if content differs. GE credit: ArtHum, Div.
Spanish 198. Directed Group Study (4 units)
P/NP grading only.
Find full course descriptions in the UC Davis General Catalog. Note: in many cases prerequisites are waived by consent of instructor. Students who are unsure if they meet prerequisites are encouraged to contact the instructor or Summer Abroad staff. For more information on prerequisites for UC Davis courses, visit the Academics section of the Summer Abroad website.
*The prerequisite for SPA 175 for this particular program is waived because the course is taught in English.