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Heredia Courses – 2024 Summer Session II

Academics

You may take three to seven semester credits per summer session. Students attending Sessions I & II may earn 6-14 semester credits. At least one 3-credit course is required each session you are enrolled. Course availability is contingent upon student enrollment and is subject to change.

Click the course title to view course details, description, and availability.

Session I

Language and Culture Courses

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 100-level 4 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 100-level 4 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course is designed to help learners of Spanish to develop basic communicative competence and critical thinking skills. It offers an intensive study and practice of the productive and receptive language skills in the oral and written modes. The main emphasis of this track is on communication

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 100-level 4 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 100-level 4 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course is designed to help learners of Spanish to develop basic communicative competence and critical thinking skills. It offers an intensive study and practice of the productive and receptive language skills in the oral and written modes. The main emphasis of this track is on communication.

    Prerequisite: one semester of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course is designed to help learners of Spanish to develop basic communicative competence and critical thinking skills. It offers an intensive study and practice of the productive and receptive language skills in the oral and written modes. The main emphasis of this track is on communication.

    Prerequisite: two semesters of college Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course is designed to help learners of Spanish to develop basic communicative competence and critical thinking skills. It offers an intensive study and practice of the productive and receptive language skills in the oral and written modes. The main emphasis of this track is on communication.

    Prerequisite: three semesters of college Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    The focus of this course is to improve learners´ written abilities through the analysis and the production of different types of texts. In addition, several grammatical topics will be reviewed in order to enhance and refine the learners´ grammatical competence.

    Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    The focus of this course is to improve learners´ written abilities through the analysis and the production of different types of texts. In addition, several grammatical topics will be reviewed in order to enhance and refine the learners´ grammatical competence.

    Prerequisite: five semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    These two advanced courses of Spanish have been designed for students who may manage in daily tasks and interactions, but still need to improve their control over different oral and written registers. In addition, these courses will offer them the opportunity to enhance their vocabulary in specific and technical areas, and to improve grammatical accuracy in their oral and written expression.

    Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    These two advanced courses of Spanish have been designed for students who may manage in daily tasks and interactions, but still need to improve their control over different oral and written registers. In addition, these courses will offer them the opportunity to enhance their vocabulary in specific and technical areas, and to improve grammatical accuracy in their oral and written expression.

    Prerequisite: seven semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Dance 100-level 1 credit Taught in English/Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Dance 100-level 1 credit Taught in English/Spanish

    Students will physically connect with Latin American culture through dance and music. This course will cover traditional dances such as Cha-Cha, Son, Bolero, Merengue, Salsa, Guaracha, and Cumbia. Students will also improve Spanish language and vocabulary as it pertains to dance commands.

    This course has an additional fee

  • Summer Session I
    Anthropology History Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Anthropology History Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course focuses on the history and cultures of the American continent from pre-Columbian societies

    to contemporary nations, including pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, a space of cultural contact between

    American and European cultures; the ethnic and cultural transformations of American, European and

    African cultures in Latin America; the nineteenth century, economic modernization, and national

    definitions at the socio-cultural level; the first half of the twentieth century and the influences of

    European avant-garde and North American popular culture

    Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Nutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in English and Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Nutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in English and Spanish

    An introduction to a local cuisine in a hands-on kitchen environment. Authentic preparations of several local dishes will be taught. Correct cooking techniques are emphasized. Readings and lectures on local food customs and traditions will support and contextualize the cooking instruction. Students will learn about Latin American culture, and practice conversing and following instructions in the Spanish language.

    Dietary restrictions may not be accommodated.

    This course has an additional fee

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course is designed to improve the knowledge, listening, and expressive capabilities of language

    students. Students will not only learn necessary vocabulary to express themselves in daily situations, but

    they will also learn to navigate more complex situations through conversation and free discussion of

    contemporary topics, using visual material, listening comprehension exercises, articles, and other course

    materials. The objective of the course is to facilitate the acquisition of language necessary to express

    oneself in daily situations.

    Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent, or instructor approval

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course is designed to broaden students’ knowledge of medical Spanish vocabulary in health care settings while improving their grammatical proficiency as well as exposing them to cultural aspects of medicine in Latin America. By studying specialized medical terminology and specific grammar, students will be able to communicate with Spanish speakers in a variety of health-related situations, which will prepare those students who plan to work in healthcare fields. Practical workshops presented by guest speakers and site visits to a local hospital will complement class discussion, translation exercises, reading, and individual research.

    Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

Health, Sport, and Science Courses

  • Summer Session I
    Community Health Sciences 100-level 3 credits Taught in English

    The course explores health attitudes, knowledge and behaviors of self and others with a goal of understanding the value and personal responsibility for a healthful lifestyle. It includes a wide range of personal health topics such as the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and environmental influences on personal health.

  • Summer Session I
    Biology 200-level 3 credits Taught in English

    This course provides students the foundational knowledge for understanding the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of tropical environments with emphasis on ecological processes. Students will spend time in the field and complete a case study as a part of this course. The purpose of each activity is to encourage young adults to become environmentally conscious and promote the maintenance of fragile ecosystems around the world.

    This course has an additional fee

  • Summer Session I
    Environmental Science 100-level 3 credits Taught in English

    This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to exploring modern environments, encompassing both human and natural components. We'll investigate the physical, chemical, and biological processes shaping our environment while also examining cultural values, attitudes, and norms that influence global perspectives on environmental issues. Delivered from a systems perspective, this course aims to unravel pressing environmental challenges and foster an understanding of how human actions impact our planet.

  • Summer Session I
    Psychology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

    American college students are typically taught that financial success will lead them to a fulfilling and happy life. The problem is that, empirically, this is not quite true. This course will help students examine the science on happiness—both in terms of individual quests and nations—to answer the most fundamental questions of all regarding human life. The course will address topics such as global perspectives on happiness, a qualitative comparison of happiness levels in different countries, and up-to-date scientific research on what makes individuals happy.

  • Summer Session I
    Biology 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

    Tropical Conservation Biology is the scientific study of the phenomena that affect the maintenance, loss, and restoration of biological diversity. In this course, students will gain an understanding of evolutionary and ecological factors that shape patterns of tropical diversity. Topics covered include 1) the impacts of global warming, species invasions, and habitat destruction on biodiversity, 2) strategies developed to combat these threats, and 3) a consideration of key economic and ethical trade-offs.

    Prerequisite: one semester of college level biology

  • Summer Session I
    Biology 400-level 1 credit Taught in English

    This field study course consists of three field trips to different habitats, the cloud forest, dry forest, and rain forest. The objectives of these visits will be to better understand the topics covered in the lectures such as individual, population and community level ecological processes, and adaptations to various environments.

    Co-requisite: Tropical Conservation Biology

  • Summer Session I
    300-level 3 credits Taught in English

    Tropical ecology is the relationship between plants and animals in a tropical environment. Tropical zones are distinguished because they occur in the latitudes that lay between the tropic of Cancer and the tropic of Capricorn. These tropical latitudes have distinct physical, climatic, and biotic characteristics. As a result, tropical ecosystems are among the most diverse in the world. Tropical ecosystems are very diverse and encompass rainforests, dry deciduous forests, highland forests, paramos, coastal areas, spiny forests, deserts, and other habitat types. Each one of these ecosystems has a unique species composition and ecological relationships among them. Thus, studying tropical ecology is essential to understand the modern ecology. Moreover, since 1980, 288 million hectares (21%) of tropical forest areas have been deforested, while the human population in tropical countries has nearly doubled. The study of tropical ecosystems cannot be detached from conservation. The best way to ensure that these ecosystems will be conserved is to provide future generations with the proper theoretical, practical, and critical skills related to these special ecosystems and their conservation. This course will introduce students to tropical ecosystems and their general characteristics, focusing on the ecological and evolutionary relationships found in tropics. Students will also learn about some of the tropical research done in Costa Rica and other regions. This class will also explore the unique characteristics of several of the ecosystems found within the tropics and compare species found in different tropical regions. Students will explore how tropical ecosystems impact the temperate regions and what is needed to conserve these ecosystems. The course will also have a strong experimental component and students will learn how to develop experiments to answer ecological questions and how to employ simple statistical analyses to test hypotheses.

    Prerequisite: one year of college-level biology with lab

  • Summer Session I
    Biology 300-level 1 credit Taught in English

    This field study course consists of three field trips to different habitats (one day field trip and two overnight field trips). The objectives of these visits will be to better understand the topics covered in the lectures such as individual, population, and community level ecological processes, and adaptations to various environments. Through the field study portion of Tropical Ecology, the students will gain a greater appreciation for ecological adaptations, ecological succession, sustainability, the value of biodiversity, and long-term ecological research.

    Co-requisite: Tropical Ecology

    This course has an additional fee

Session II

Language and Culture Courses

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 100-level 4 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 100-level 4 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course is designed to help learners of Spanish to develop basic communicative competence and critical thinking skills. It offers an intensive study and practice of the productive and receptive language skills in the oral and written modes. The main emphasis of this track is on communication

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 100-level 4 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 100-level 4 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course is designed to help learners of Spanish to develop basic communicative competence and critical thinking skills. It offers an intensive study and practice of the productive and receptive language skills in the oral and written modes. The main emphasis of this track is on communication.

    Prerequisite: one semester of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course is designed to help learners of Spanish to develop basic communicative competence and critical thinking skills. It offers an intensive study and practice of the productive and receptive language skills in the oral and written modes. The main emphasis of this track is on communication.

    Prerequisite: two semesters of college Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course is designed to help learners of Spanish to develop basic communicative competence and critical thinking skills. It offers an intensive study and practice of the productive and receptive language skills in the oral and written modes. The main emphasis of this track is on communication.

    Prerequisite: three semesters of college Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    The focus of this course is to improve learners´ written abilities through the analysis and the production of different types of texts. In addition, several grammatical topics will be reviewed in order to enhance and refine the learners´ grammatical competence.

    Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    The focus of this course is to improve learners´ written abilities through the analysis and the production of different types of texts. In addition, several grammatical topics will be reviewed in order to enhance and refine the learners´ grammatical competence.

    Prerequisite: five semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    These two advanced courses of Spanish have been designed for students who may manage in daily tasks and interactions, but still need to improve their control over different oral and written registers. In addition, these courses will offer them the opportunity to enhance their vocabulary in specific and technical areas, and to improve grammatical accuracy in their oral and written expression.

    Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    These two advanced courses of Spanish have been designed for students who may manage in daily tasks and interactions, but still need to improve their control over different oral and written registers. In addition, these courses will offer them the opportunity to enhance their vocabulary in specific and technical areas, and to improve grammatical accuracy in their oral and written expression.

    Prerequisite: seven semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Dance 100-level 1 credit Taught in English/Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Dance 100-level 1 credit Taught in English/Spanish

    Students will physically connect with Latin American culture through dance and music. This course will cover traditional dances such as Cha-Cha, Son, Bolero, Merengue, Salsa, Guaracha, and Cumbia. Students will also improve Spanish language and vocabulary as it pertains to dance commands.

    This course has an additional fee

  • Summer Session II
    Speech Communications 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

    The purpose of this course is to develop the skills necessary to build and maintain positive communication and relationships across cultures. Students will explore the definition, nature and manifestation of culture while examining their own values, traditions, and beliefs. Through active in-class and out-of-class activities, students will learn about the similarities and differences in communication behaviors and explore language usage, nonverbal actions, and perceptions in order to see how they influence face-to-face communication between individuals of different cultures in the United States, Europe, and the rest of the world.

    Prerequisite: introductory coursework in college-level communication

  • Summer Session I
    Anthropology History Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Anthropology History Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course focuses on the history and cultures of the American continent from pre-Columbian societies

    to contemporary nations, including pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, a space of cultural contact between

    American and European cultures; the ethnic and cultural transformations of American, European and

    African cultures in Latin America; the nineteenth century, economic modernization, and national

    definitions at the socio-cultural level; the first half of the twentieth century and the influences of

    European avant-garde and North American popular culture

    Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

  • Summer Session I
    Nutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in English and Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Nutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in English and Spanish

    An introduction to a local cuisine in a hands-on kitchen environment. Authentic preparations of several local dishes will be taught. Correct cooking techniques are emphasized. Readings and lectures on local food customs and traditions will support and contextualize the cooking instruction. Students will learn about Latin American culture, and practice conversing and following instructions in the Spanish language.

    Dietary restrictions may not be accommodated.

    This course has an additional fee

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course is designed to improve the knowledge, listening, and expressive capabilities of language

    students. Students will not only learn necessary vocabulary to express themselves in daily situations, but

    they will also learn to navigate more complex situations through conversation and free discussion of

    contemporary topics, using visual material, listening comprehension exercises, articles, and other course

    materials. The objective of the course is to facilitate the acquisition of language necessary to express

    oneself in daily situations.

    Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent, or instructor approval

  • Summer Session I
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish
    Summer Session II
    Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

    This course is designed to broaden students’ knowledge of medical Spanish vocabulary in health care settings while improving their grammatical proficiency as well as exposing them to cultural aspects of medicine in Latin America. By studying specialized medical terminology and specific grammar, students will be able to communicate with Spanish speakers in a variety of health-related situations, which will prepare those students who plan to work in healthcare fields. Practical workshops presented by guest speakers and site visits to a local hospital will complement class discussion, translation exercises, reading, and individual research.

    Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Spanish, or equivalent

Health, Sport, and Science Courses

  • Summer Session II
    Geography 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

    This course aims to analyze fundamental aspects of climate dynamics, global warming, and their impacts on societies across the globe. As heavy rainfall in the tropics dictates how landscapes are formed and shaped, Global Warming is changing the building blocks of our societies. This class combines scientific evidence and social perspectives to analyze how people is mitigating and adapting to global changes, for example: climate-induced migrations, changes in agricultural practices, clean energy production, and social media networking and information.

    Classes will combine 3-hour lectures (once a week). Lessons will generally include an introduction to fundamental climate concepts followed by group discussion of climate change impacts and mitigation/adaptation challenges around the globe.

  • Summer Session II
    Geography 300-level 1 credit Taught in English

    This field study aims to complement the Climate, Global Change, and Society course through site visits to locations impacted by human-induced climate change. Students will interact, measure, and observe these ongoing changes directly in the field. Given the long-term nature of climate change and its effects on ecosystems, a deductive approach will be encouraged based on the students' observations and measurements. Students will witness the first-hand anthropogenic impact on natural sites and propose possible solutions from social and environmental perspectives.

    Co-requisite: Climate, Global Change, and Society

  • Summer Session II
    Biology Environmental Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

    Ecology studies the interaction of organisms with the biotic and abiotic environment; population biology studies the distribution and movement of organisms in the natural world. This should ideally act as a biology major capstone course for it incorporates many themes related to biology. Students will touch on many biological principles that they should already be familiar with. Students will gain an appreciation of ecological principles as they relate to the natural world.

    Prerequisite: one year of general biology with lab

  • Summer Session II
    Psychology 100-level 3 credits Taught in English

    This course will present an overview of the main topics related to the study of the mind and behavior. It will first provide a historical background of general psychology, describing the origin and evolution of the most important theoretical paradigms and illustrating how they have differently defined the objects and methods of scientific psychology. The discipline’s main areas of inquiry will then be examined: sensation and perception; learning; memory; thinking, reasoning and problem solving; language; motivation; emotions; and personality. Special attention will be devoted to the developmental aspects of some of the subject areas addressed and to an introduction to clinical psychology.

  • Summer Session II
    Community Health Sciences 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

    Like other Latin American countries, Costa Rica bears a double nutritional burden composed of undernutrition and obesity. Documented increases in sedentary behaviors and the marked shift toward processed foods suggest that national efforts to prevent metabolic diseases should be a public health priority in Costa Rica. This is particularly true since 80% of chronic, non-transmissible conditions rely solely on personal habits and are preventable. In recent years, Costa Rica has seen a boost in physical activities, from new exotic trekking destinations to endurance races across the country to year-round open-water swimming. This course will focus on global and local trends regarding exercise and healthy lifestyle habits. Along with the most up-to-date health, fitness, and nutrition guidelines, the information in this course will provide extensive behavior modification strategies to help abandon negative habits and adopt and maintain healthy behaviors.

  • Summer Session II
    Biology 200-level 3 credits Taught in English

    This course will provide students with theoretical knowledge and experience conducting research in the field of conservation biodiversity in Costa Rica. Students will evaluate topics related to genetic diversity, environmental degradation, exotic invasive species, economic conservation, and approaches to conservation.

    This course had an additional fee

  • Summer Session II
    Kinesiology / Movement Science Nutrition 200-level 3 credits Taught in English

    This course will cover topics related to the role nutrient selection, metabolism, and timing play in supporting and improving human physical performance. Students will learn to apply evidence-based strategies and recommendations to realistic case studies, analyze controversies within the field, and explore other topics related to fuel use during exercise, nutrient requirements for optimal performance, behavioral strategies for improving dietary habits, and supplements.

  • Summer Session II
    Biology 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

    This course will cover topics related to tropical oceanography, marine geology, marine ecology, and marine biology, with emphasis on the interaction between species, between species and their environment and between ecosystems. Students will analyze human environmental impact, and the utility, management, and conservation of the ecosystems. Students will participate in field trips to gain experience working in the marine environment and coastal population.

    Prerequisite: one semester of college level biology or marine biology

  • Summer Session II
    Biology 400-level 1 credit Taught in English

    In this course students will visit marine ecosystems that they studied in theorical lessons. Students will be able to explore various marine ecosystems like: Coral reefs, rocky reefs, mangroves, and intertidal zones.

    Corequisite: Tropical Marine Biology

To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu

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