Heredia Courses – 2026 Summer Session I

USAC Course Descriptions

Click the course title to view course details, description and availability. To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu

• Advanced Spanish I

  Summer Session I

  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

• Advanced Spanish II

  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

• Climate Change and Society

  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.

• Climate Change and Society Field Study

  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

• Dances of Latin America

  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

• Elementary Spanish I

  Summer Session I

  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

• Elementary Spanish II

  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

• Foundations for Personal Health and Wellness

  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.

• Health and Wellness in Costa Rica and Latin America

  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.

• Intercultural Communication

  Summer Session I

  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.

• Intermediate Spanish I

  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

• Intermediate Spanish II

  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

• Introduction to Tropical Conservation

  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.

• Latin America and its Cultures

  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 offers an interdisciplinary overview of the historical and cultural development of Latin America, from pre-Columbian societies to contemporary nations. It examines the major cultural patterns and transformations that emerged from the interaction among Indigenous, European, and African influences. Key topics include identity, modernization, education, gender roles, religion, and artistic expression, with special emphasis on Costa Rican culture as a case study. Through historical and contemporary perspectives, students will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural diversity that defines what we call “Latin American Civilization.”

  *This course may be offered in English (200-level) or in Spanish (300-level).

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

• Latin American Cuisine

  Summer Session I

  Summer Session II

  Whether you’re a food lover, an aspiring chef, or just curious about trying new dishes, this hands-on workshop offers something for everyone.

  Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks who share your passion for food and cooking. You’ll walk away with practical skills and fresh inspiration to add Latin American flavors to your everyday cooking.

  Guided by our experienced instructor, you’ll learn authentic cooking methods and techniques that bring out the unique flavors a variety of traditional recipes. After cooking, we’ll enjoy a group tasting session, where you’ll get to savor your creations with complementary drinks.

  Join us for an immersive cooking workshop that dives deep into the vibrant world of Latin American and Costa Rican cuisine.

  This workshop has an additional fee.

  This workshop requires a minimum enrollment of six students to run.

• Psychology of Happiness

  Summer Session I

  Psychology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Summer Session II

  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.

• Spanish Composition I

  Summer Session I

  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

• Spanish Composition II

  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

• Spanish Conversation and Oral Skills

  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

• Spanish for Health Professions

  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

• Sports Nutrition, Exercise, and Performance

  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.

• Tropical Conservation Biology

  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

• Tropical Conservation Biology Field Study

  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

• Tropical Ecology

  Summer Session I

  300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course will introduce students to tropical ecosystems and their general characteristics, focusing on the ecological and evolutionary relationships found in tropical environments. Students will examine the unique characteristics of several tropical ecosystems, comparing species found in different tropical regions, how tropical ecosystems impact temperate regions, what is needed to conserve these ecosystems, and tropical research done in Costa Rica and other regions.

  The course has 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

  This course has an additional fee

• Tropical Ecology Field Study

  Summer Session I

  Biology 300-level 1 credit Taught in English

  This field study course, consisting of two field trips focused on tropical ecology, tropical ecosystems, and tropical urban ecosystems, will focus on understanding the topics covered in the lectures such as individual, population, and community level ecological processes, and adaptations to various environments. Students will gain a greater appreciation for ecological adaptations, ecological succession, sustainability, the value of biodiversity, and long-term ecological research.

  Field work may include long walks, boat rides, and snorkeling activities. Closed shoes and a rain jacket are required for all forest activities.

  Co-requisite: Tropical Ecology

  This course has an additional fee

• Tropical Marine Biology

  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

• Tropical Marine Biology Field Study

  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

• Twentieth-Century and Contemporary Latin American Poetry

  Summer Session II

  Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  The twentieth-century Latin American poetry is an expression of the struggle of oppressed groups. Students will develop a strong historical and theoretical foundation to effectively analyze twentieth- century Latin-American poetry.

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

• Twentieth-Century and Contemporary Latin American Short Story and Essay

  Summer Session I

  Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  The short story literary genre allows for the study of the continuing construction of Latin American identities in their various forms: religious, economic, cultural, linguistic, and political, among others. This course will introduce the theory and practice of literary analysis through the study of theoretical texts and examples of textual analysis that will serve as references for the activities assigned in the course. Students will also read key texts to help them develop reading strategies and participate in individual and group analysis of literary texts that not only take into consideration the country of origin but also acknowledge its transnational interactions.

  Prerequisite: six semesters of college-level Spanish

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