San Ramón Courses – 2023 Fall

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Studying abroad can be a more meaningful and invigorating learning experience than at home—both inside and outside of the classroom. You may be more curious and alert than you usually are so use this heightened energy to enhance your studies as well as your cultural and geographical explorations. You may also encounter different teaching styles and course processes; be prepared to adapt and to learn.

Academics

You will enroll in 12 to 18 credits per semester comprised of language courses plus electives in life and health sciences, and Latin American studies. Although enrollment in a language course is not a requirement of the program, it is strongly recommended as it will increase your understanding of Costa Rican culture and equip you with language and cross-cultural skills that will be of assistance in your day-to-day life abroad. Course availability is contingent upon student enrollment and is subject to change.

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

Spanish Language Tracks

USAC offers intensive language courses grouped into tracks in which courses are taught sequentially (back to back) within one semester. If you have already taken the first course in a track, you do not have to take it again for credit, but you must audit it to be prepared for success at the next level. Language courses are small and typically have a maximum enrollment of 15 students each.

Language Courses

• Elementary Spanish I

  Fall

  Spanish 100-level 4 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  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

  Fall

  Spanish 100-level 4 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  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 Spanish.

• Intermediate Spanish I

  Fall

  Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  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

  Fall

  Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  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

• Spanish Composition I

  Fall

  Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  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 Spanish.

• Spanish Composition II

  Fall

  Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  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 Spanish.

• Advanced Spanish I

  Fall

  Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  This course is designed for students who may manage daily tasks and interactions, but still need to improve their control over different oral and written registers. In addition, this course will offer students 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 Spanish.

• Advanced Spanish II

  Fall

  Spanish 400-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  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 Spanish.

Fall Semester

Language and Literature Electives

• Spanish Conversation and Oral Skills

  Fall

  Spanish 300-level 1-3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  Spanish 300-level 1-3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Optional three-credit course that complements the development of linguistic competences facilitated at the two/three-hundred level courses, focusing in the oral skills in particular.

  This course is taught at the beginner and intermediate levels.

  Beginner Prerequisite: two semesters of college Spanish

  Intermediate Prerequisite: four semesters of college Spanish

• Spanish for Health Professions

  Fall

  Community Health Sciences Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  Community Health Sciences Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  This course will provide students with the knowledge of the basic structures of the Spanish language, and the specialized medical vocabulary needed to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients in a variety of health care situations. Moreover, an understanding and appreciation of cultural differences in the health perceptions of Spanish-speaking patients will be developed. This course is appropriate for all health-related disciplines, and requires some previous knowledge of Spanish.

  Prerequisite: four semesters of college Spanish

• Survey of Latin American Literature I

  Fall

  Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  This course explores leading Latin American literary works written from pre-Columbian times to the late nineteenth century. Students will develop skills in reading comprehension, analysis, discussion, and investigation of Latin American texts, poems, and short stories.

  Prerequisite: five semesters of college-level Spanish; students who have completed second-year Spanish with strong grades may be considered with home university approval

Latin American Cultural Studies

• Dances of Latin America

  Fall

  Dance 100-level 1 credit Taught in English/Spanish

  Spring

  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

• Latin America and its Cultures

  Fall

  Anthropology History Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Fall

  Anthropology History Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  Anthropology History Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Spring

  Anthropology History Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  This course will introduce students to the history of Latin America, its people, and the changes that have taken place in the region since the arrival of European populations. Students will develop a strong historical foundation to analyze changes in society related to modernization, education, gender, traditions, and religion in Costa Rica.

• Latin America and its Cultures Field Study

  Fall

  Spanish World Languages and Literatures 200-level 1 credit Taught in English

  Students will travel to two sites in Costa Rica to experience topics studied in the lecture course. Students will explore topics including contemporary society, education, the role of gender, traditions, religion, and other cultural manifestations.

  Fees will cover transportation, entrance fees, guides, lodging, and limited meals.

  Co-requisite: Latin America and Its Cultures

  This course has an additional fee.

• Latin American Cuisine

  Fall

  Nutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in English/Spanish

  Spring

  Nutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in English/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.

Life and Health Science Studies

• Cell Biology

  Spring

  Biology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course explores the field of cell biology including the morphology and physiology of cell membranes, the cytoplasm, and organelles. Topics include techniques in cell biology, motility, cell division, cell-cell interactions, signal transduction and protein and membrane trafficking. Course materials present classic principles in cell biology including important historical contributions and will use experimentally based examples to aid student understanding of important concepts in cell biology.

  Prerequisite: introductory coursework in college-level biology and genetics or biochemistry

• Cell Biology Lab

  Fall

  Biology 300-level 1 credit Taught in English

  Spring

  Biology 300-level 1 credit Taught in English

  Students will explore the field of cell biology including the morphology and physiology of cell membranes, the cytoplasm, and organelles. Topics include techniques in cell biology, motility, cell division, cell-cell interactions, signal transduction and protein and membrane trafficking. Lab activities present classic principles in cell biology including important historical contributions and will use experimentally based examples to aid student understanding of important concepts in cell biology.

  Co-requisite: Cell Biology

  This course has an additional fee

• Environmental Policy

  Fall

  Political Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Environmental degradation is threatening the lives of many socially and economically vulnerable populations in the tropics. They are most susceptible to even the slightest change in the climate especially as their governments continue to implement short term policies to meet the demands of developed countries. Students will evaluate how economic and environmental policies intersect, analyze the role various actors play in policymaking, and examine the interests of various actors in the decision-making process. Students will survey the behaviors and interests of governments, private corporations, educational institutions, environmental non-governmental organizations.

  Prerequisite: introductory coursework in college-level political science or environmental policy

• Global Health

  Fall

  Community Health Sciences Health Ecology 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Spring

  Community Health Sciences Health Ecology 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course is directed towards the student who wants to deepen his/her knowledge of global health and how preventive and promotive work can be carried on from an international perspective. Provides an introduction to problems involved in assessing international health needs and designing, implementing, managing, and evaluating public health programs in international settings. Topics include: issues in global health; major health problems and concerns of developing vs. developed countries; international health organizations; international health care systems and health development assistance; development of population/demographic transition; the global economy and health; access to medical care; cultural differences; emerging crises in global health.

• Plant Taxonomy

  Fall

  Biology 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  The diversity of the flora of Costa Rica and neoptropics has been the result of a series of geological processes and environmental factors that have interacted over millions of years. This is reflected, for example, the large number of tree species per hectare and the wide geographical distribution in altitude and latitude of many of these plants.

  This course provides an introduction to the principles and practice of biological systematics and classification (taxonomy). Emphasis is placed on acquiring the facility to use appropriate terminology in order to identify flowering plants, as well as to know the importance of plants in our daily lives as a source of economic resources in the form of wood, paper, fiber (cotton, flax, and hemp, among others), medicines, decorative and landscaping plants, and many other uses.

• Plant Taxonomy Field Study

  Fall

  Biology 400-level 1 credit Taught in English

  This laboratory is designed to provide students with practical experiences in plant identification while using tools of classification and identification. Students will gain experience in data accumulation, specimen collection and preparation, identification of major taxa, and use of identification resources.

  Co-requisite: Plant Taxonomy

  This course has an additional fee

• Society and Environment

  Fall

  Environmental Science Sociology 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  The central aim of this course is to explore the relationship between the environment, both natural and human built, and society. Students will analyze historical and contemporary ways of thinking about nature. Students will pay special attention to the historical and cultural factors that have led us to regard nature as separate from the self and society and the effects such perceptions may have had on the natural environment. We will also examine the potential influences the physical world has had in shaping civilizations, specifically here in Costa Rica and the states students come from. Furthermore, we will explore the possible growth of an environmental consciousness and will assess the value of both consciousness-raising and structural change as means for addressing the human-produced ecological problems.

  Environment and society is a liberal studies course that addresses the sociological dimensions of issues and problems in contemporary human societies. The thematic foci for all sections of the course are Environmental Consciousness, Technology and Its Impact, and Valuing the Diversity of the Human Experience. Social issues related to technology and its impact on various facets of human social organization and experience will be highlighted in the course. The relationship between human societies and the Costa Rican environment will also be emphasized. Students will develop several essential skills through their work for this course, such as critical thinking, critical reading, effective writing, and/or ethical reasoning.

• Sustainable Development: Women and the Environment

  Fall

  Environmental Science Sociology Women's Studies / Gender Studies 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Students in the class will explore the challenging issues of women and the environment as part of a more significant issue of environmental degradation, climate change, inequality, and poverty. This course will address how women interface with crucial ecological concerns such as water, energy, land use, and biodiversity conservation. Moreover, it aims to build a broad understanding of how women and their children adapt to the world’s changing climatic conditions. Finally, it looks at women as active organizers and participants in building a more sustainable society on local and international levels.

• Tropical Ecology

  Fall

  Biology 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.

• Tropical Ecology Field Study

  Fall

  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

Spring Semester

Language and Literature Electives

• Spanish Conversation and Oral Skills

  Fall

  Spanish 300-level 1-3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  Spanish 300-level 1-3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Optional three-credit course that complements the development of linguistic competences facilitated at the two/three-hundred level courses, focusing in the oral skills in particular.

  This course is taught at the beginner and intermediate levels.

  Beginner Prerequisite: two semesters of college Spanish

  Intermediate Prerequisite: four semesters of college Spanish

• Spanish for Health Professions

  Fall

  Community Health Sciences Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  Community Health Sciences Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  This course will provide students with the knowledge of the basic structures of the Spanish language, and the specialized medical vocabulary needed to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients in a variety of health care situations. Moreover, an understanding and appreciation of cultural differences in the health perceptions of Spanish-speaking patients will be developed. This course is appropriate for all health-related disciplines, and requires some previous knowledge of Spanish.

  Prerequisite: four semesters of college Spanish

• Survey of Latin American Literature II

  Spring

  Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  For the course, we will use an anthology put together by the professor that is organized to correspond to the sections that are being dealt with in the course: essays, narratives (stories and novels), poetry and dramatic works. All of the written material that is in the anthology will be dealt with in class. The text is, above all, mandatory for the students use. Each practice section and corresponding units comes accompanied by a study guide that is produced by the professor, in order to facilitate the written comprehension and interpretation. The anthology is a text prepared in such a way that the students underline, highlight or write notes in the margins.

  Prerequisite: five semesters of college-level Spanish; students who have completed second-year Spanish with strong grades may be considered with home university approval

Latin American Cultural Studies

• Dances of Latin America

  Fall

  Dance 100-level 1 credit Taught in English/Spanish

  Spring

  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

• Latin America and its Cultures

  Fall

  Anthropology History Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Fall

  Anthropology History Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  Spring

  Anthropology History Spanish 200-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Spring

  Anthropology History Spanish 300-level 3 credits Taught in Spanish

  This course will introduce students to the history of Latin America, its people, and the changes that have taken place in the region since the arrival of European populations. Students will develop a strong historical foundation to analyze changes in society related to modernization, education, gender, traditions, and religion in Costa Rica.

• Latin American Cuisine

  Fall

  Nutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in English/Spanish

  Spring

  Nutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in English/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.

Life and Health Science Studies

• Biological Diversity

  Spring

  Biology 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  The diversity of life forms is one of the greatest wonder and treasures of the world. This diversity is the product of millions of years of evolution, and can be thought in many different ways. One could start by viewing the overall perspective of evolutionary time and the radiation patterns from single ancestors. Another way of looking at it is to explore the characteristics of natural communities and intricate tapestry of relationships between life forms living in these communities. At the ecosystem level, we can look at the diversity of the biota and recognize different biomes. We can also view diversity globally and collectively by estimating the number of species and determining where species are concentrated. Finally, we can measure the amount of genetic variation within species to look at the genetic level diversity.

  The study of biodiversity (and all of its components) is a crosscutting issue because human activities have affected the diversity of life forms to the point where large numbers of species have gone extinct and the genetic diversity of many species has eroded. These treats continue have increase in magnitude and several studies predict that we are now experiencing a new era of mass extinctions due to negative anthropocentric activities. The conservation of biodiversity can be achieved only by: “characterizing it, saving it, and using it in a sustainable way”. To achieve this goal one must study life diversity, and quantify it in order to be able to monitor it and save it.

  Prerequisite: one semester of introductory level biology

• Biological Diversity Field Study

  Spring

  Biology 400-level 1 credit Taught in English

  Field biology is one of the most engaging areas of biology since it requires biologists to work at many levels: the organism, community, ecosystem, or landscape. Field biologists use nature as a laboratory and combine the principles of biology, the physical sciences, and mathematics to study the diversity and interactions of plants, animals and microorganisms in their natural environments. Thus, field biologists include ecologists, zoologists, botanists, population biologists, taxonomists, physiologists, wildlife and fisheries biologists, microbiologists and others. In this course the identification of the most important groups of the tropical biodiversity is very important. The field study will include work in fieldtrips to different localities to compare the diversity present in some of the tropical ecosystems.

  Co-requisite: Biological Diversity

  This course has an additional fee

• Cell Biology

  Spring

  Biology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course explores the field of cell biology including the morphology and physiology of cell membranes, the cytoplasm, and organelles. Topics include techniques in cell biology, motility, cell division, cell-cell interactions, signal transduction and protein and membrane trafficking. Course materials present classic principles in cell biology including important historical contributions and will use experimentally based examples to aid student understanding of important concepts in cell biology.

  Prerequisite: introductory coursework in college-level biology and genetics or biochemistry

• Cell Biology Lab

  Fall

  Biology 300-level 1 credit Taught in English

  Spring

  Biology 300-level 1 credit Taught in English

  Students will explore the field of cell biology including the morphology and physiology of cell membranes, the cytoplasm, and organelles. Topics include techniques in cell biology, motility, cell division, cell-cell interactions, signal transduction and protein and membrane trafficking. Lab activities present classic principles in cell biology including important historical contributions and will use experimentally based examples to aid student understanding of important concepts in cell biology.

  Co-requisite: Cell Biology

  This course has an additional fee

• Ecology and Population Biology

  Spring

  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: general biology with laboratory

• Ecology and Population Biology Field Study

  Spring

  Biology Environmental Science 300-level 1 credit Taught in English

  This field study course consists of two field trips to different habitats. 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.

  Corequisite: Ecology and Population Biology

  This course has an additional fee.

• Global Health

  Fall

  Community Health Sciences Health Ecology 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Spring

  Community Health Sciences Health Ecology 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course is directed towards the student who wants to deepen his/her knowledge of global health and how preventive and promotive work can be carried on from an international perspective. Provides an introduction to problems involved in assessing international health needs and designing, implementing, managing, and evaluating public health programs in international settings. Topics include: issues in global health; major health problems and concerns of developing vs. developed countries; international health organizations; international health care systems and health development assistance; development of population/demographic transition; the global economy and health; access to medical care; cultural differences; emerging crises in global health.

• Tropical Conservation Biology

  Spring

  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.

• Tropical Marine Biology

  Spring

  Biology 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  In this course students will learn about the main tropical marine ecosystems.

  Prerequisite: one semester of general biology

• Tropical Marine Biology Field Study

  Spring

  Biology 300-level 1 credit Taught in English

  In this course students will visit marine ecosystems introduced in the lecture. Students will be able to explore various marine ecosystems like coral reefs, rocky reefs, mangroves, and intertidal zones.

  Co-requisite: Tropical Marine Biology.

• Women's Health: Global Health and Human Rights

  Spring

  Community Health Sciences 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Exploration of the specific health needs of women, with emphasis on understanding and prevention of problems of women’s health.

To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu

Field Studies

Optional field studies are an excellent way to deepen your academic experience abroad. During your 1-credit field study course, you will participate in carefully planned excursions that allow you to explore the cultural, historical, and natural features of Costa Rica. These overnight field experiences, combined with required academic components such as readings, research, and written assignments, will increase your understanding of the sites and locales visited.