The Curricula

All classes are held at the Universidad Iberoamericana, located in the Lomas de Santa Fe neighborhood on the Avenida Paseo de la Reforma. The Iberoamericana is perhaps the foremost private institute of higher learning in Mexico. Some 10,000 students are enrolled. The socio-economic position of the students is comparable to that of Tulane students.

Classes described below are taught in Spanish unless otherwise noted, but are especially designed for foreign students and listed under the International Program. All of the classes listed below in the International Division of the university carry three Tulane credits each and will be automatically accepted for Tulane credit. Although listed below under Iberoamericana course numbers, they will appear on your transcript under special Tulane course numbers. Students with very good Spanish language skills may take courses from the extensive pool of general university courses for Mexican students. General university classes, which meet four hours a week, carry four Tulane credits each. A list of those courses will not be available until the registration period in Mexico City and the process of receiving approval for Tulane credit for courses in the general pool will have to be carried out from abroad via fax, phone, or e-mail, through the Center for Latin American Studies if they are for credit towards a major or minor in that department; or with the appropriate department if they are to be applied toward a different major or minor, or a general University requirement.

Students in the semester abroad program in Mexico City are expected to take five courses a semester, with an appropriate mix from the International an d General pool of classes which corresponds to the students' level of proficiency in Spanish. There will be a pre-departure placement session with a member of Tulane's Spanish Department to help you estimate your level of proficiency.

Courses offered n the International Program First course number is from the Iberoamericana; number in parenthesis is Tulane's equivalent.

ANTHROPOLOGY 340 -- Art and Archeology of Ancient Mexico (ARHS 370)

An introduction to pre-Hispanic Mexico starting with the origin of man in America and ending with the Spanish conquest. Analysis of the architecture, panting, sculpture, pottery and arts crafts of the most important cultures (Olmecs, Huastecs, Teotihuacans, Aztecs, Mayas, etc.) of Mesoamerica. (May also be taken as ARTS 340.)

ART 362 -- Colonial and Modern Art of Mexico (ARHS 371)

A comprehensive survey of colonial and modern Mexican art in its most important manifestations. Special emphasis on the muralists of the 20th Century.

HISTORY 313 -- Survey of Mexican History (In English) (HISL 677)

A general survey of political, economic and cultural history of Mexico with emphasis from the conquest to the present.

HISTORY 315 -- The Church in Latin America (HISL 695)

Analysis of the role of the church in the socio-economic processes of Latin America, with emphasis on Mexico.. Special topics include the Medellin and Puebla statements, the growth of Christian base communities, and the Christian interpretation of liberation.

HISTORY 316 -- Latin American Civilization and Culture (LAST 302)

An inter-disciplinary survey of the history, societies, peoples, politics, geography and culture of Latin America.

POLITICAL SCIENCE 321 -- International Relations (POLS 461)

A comprehensive study of fundamental principles that govern international politics, with special emphasis on the relations between the countries of the western hemisphere. Significant concepts that are dealt with include: international law, elements of power and the dynamic of international relations, techniques of foreign policy, revolution and the cold war, international economics and collective security.

POLITICAL SCIENCE 323 -- Latin American Politics and Problems of Development (POLC 335)

The origins and development of the political structures in Latin America with special attention given to socio-economic problems. Analysis of 20th Century theories and models for development.

POLITICAL SCIENCE 362 -- United States-Mexico Relations (HISL 396)

Political, cultural, and commercial relations between the two countries. Emphasis is placed on current relations and their impact on contemporary Mexican political and economic development.

POLITICAL SCIENCE 410 -- Political and Socio-economic Issues of Mexico (POLS 302)

An introduction to issues to developing nations, in particular the human struggles involved in poverty, development and liberation. Through reading, discussions and personal reflections, analysis of various factors in Mexico are emphasized.

ANTHROPOLOGY 340 -- Art and Archeology of Ancient Mexico (ARHS 370)

ART 362 -- Colonial and Modern Art of Mexico (ARHS 371)

HISTORY 313 -- Survey of Mexican History (In English) (HISL 677)

HISTORY 315 -- The Church in Latin America (HISL 695)

HISTORY 316 -- Latin American Civilization and Culture (LAST 302)

POLITICAL SCIENCE 321 -- International Relations (POLS 461)

POLITICAL SCIENCE 323 -- Latin American Politics and Problems of Development (POLC 335)

POLITICAL SCIENCE 362 -- United States-Mexico Relations (HISL 396)

POLITICAL SCIENCE 410 -- Political and Socio-economic Issues of Mexico (POLS 302)

SOCIOLOGY 308 -- Mexican Folklore (LAST 396)

A survey of the Mexican folklore: legends, superstitions, traditions, customs, typical festivals, music and dances.

Courses Offered During Fall and Spring Semesters

SPANISH 301 -- Spanish Language I (Span 101)

Introduction to the basic Spanish language with emphasis on oral and communicative expression to enable students to interact with native Spanish speakers.

The Following grammatical structures are presented:

Regular and Irregular verbs in the Indicative, Number and Gender, Pronouns, Comparative Adjectives, Direct Object, Agreement.

SPANISH 302 -- Conversation I (SPAN 102)

Gradual and continuous practice of basic grammatical structures to develop communicative skills. Elementary vocabulary used in context. Situational activities designed to place the students in a Mexican social and cultural context.

SPANISH 303 -- Spanish Language II (SPAN 203)

Extended practice of more complex structures to increase communicative skills. The following grammatical structures are presented: Perfect Tenses and changes in verbs. Indirect Object, Prepositions, Impersonal forms, Adverbs, Subjunctive.

SPANISH 304 -- Conversation II (SPAN 213)

Practice of more complex structures to develop oral proficiency. Paraphrase and dialogues, idiomatic expressions. Synonyms, homonyms and homophones. Situational interactions to practice verb tenses.

SPANISH 305 -- Spanish Language III (SPAN 325)

Practice of the most complex structures to bring about comprehension and production of varied discourses. Proficiency of linguistic and communicative skills.

SPANISH 306 -- Conversation III (SPAN 326)

Advanced oral production. Formal language and communication. Structural and semantic analysis of literary text and works of art. Colloquial and vernacular expressions. Anecdotes, debates and panel discussions. Oral presentations, critique and group work.

SPANISH 311 -- Workshop in Oral and Written Expression (SPAN 425)

Various activities to enable students to use oral and written Spanish correctly. Vocabulary expansion and idiomatic expressions. Continuous practice and constant evaluation to enrich the communicative process.

SPANISH 335 -- Phonetics and Phonology (SPAN 426)

Basic theoretical principles of spoken Spanish. Pattern drills pronunciation and exorcises in sound discrimination aimed at familiarizing the student with the mechanics speech production. Oral readings and daily recordings.

SPANISH 409 -- Survey of Spanish Literature (SPAN 415)

A general overview of the most outstanding literary works form Ancient Times to the Golden Age. Reading and analysis of major authors belonging to each period. Wide bibliography for further independent study will be given.

SPANISH 410 -- Methodology (SPAN 601)

SPANISH 423 -- Latin American Novel (SPAN 620)

Reading analysis and discussion of the works of leading Latin American contemporary authors: Cortazar, Rulfo, Garcia Marquez, Carpentier, Vargas Llosa and others. Emphasis put on the innovative structure and language brought to literature by the so-called Nueva Novela.

SPANISH 425 -- Mexican Literature of the 20th Century (SPAN 652)

A study of literary texts explaining the development of Mexican culture and literature from the Mexican Revolution up to the present time. Major trends in Mexican literature as evidenced in selected authors like: Azuela, Fuentes, Arreola, Rulfo and others.