Course Descriptions
Arth 331: Art History: Art in Public Spaces (3 units)
Course No.: 08-331-01
A study of the works of the Mexican Muralists. Special emphasis on the paintings of Orozco, Rivera, and Siqueiros. Wednesday class meetings will be replaced by field trips to museums and other sites around Guadalajara from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for Fine Art.
Conducted in English M-Th, 9:00-10:40
Artv 101: Fundamentals of Drawing (3 units)
Course No.: 27-101-01
Introduction to the fundamental elements and principles of drawing. Students will gain the necessary skills in the handling of various drawing media (pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, watercolor) so as to be able to produce a substantial body of work that will reflect both their visual experience in Mexico, and their own imagination. Students will be asked to keep a sketchbook/journal in addition to drawing sessions and exercises. Fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for Fine Art. Required for Art Majors.
Conducted in English M-Th, 9:00-10:40
Artv 104: Foundations in Form, Space, and Time (3 units)
Course No.: 27-104-01
A critical exploration of how we as artists relate to the material world, and how that world in turn influences the work we make. Students will investigate a variety of media and artistic practices through projects, readings, slide presentations, and discussions. The class will examine social, cultural, and environmental issues, and their impact on meaning and perception in art.
Conducted in English M-Th 11:30-1:10
Artv 160: Introduction to Photography (3 units)
Course No.:27-160-01
An introductory studio course in the conceptual, aesthetic and technical possibilities and principles of photography. Particular attention will be given to photography as a medium of personal expression that reveals the students' impressions and experiences in Mexico so as to heighten cultural awareness and understanding. Students will investigate the basics of camera operation, the use of various materials including black & white and color film, photographic printing in both darkroom and digital environments and alternative processes. A 35mm camera is required. Fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for Fine Art. Required for Art Majors. Required for Art Majors.
Conducted in English M-Th, 9:00-10:40
Artv 353: Color Photography (3 units)
Course No.: 27-353-01
A studio course in the conceptual, aesthetic and technical possibilities and principles of color photography and digital technology. Particular attention will be given to color photography and digital technology as a medium of personal expression that reveals the students' impressions and experiences in Mexico so as to heighten cultural awareness and understanding. Students will investigate the basics of camera operation, the use of color film in conjunction with Adobe Photoshop and digital printing as well as historical and contemporary approaches of color photography. Fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for Fine Art.
Conducted in English M-Th, 11:30-1:10
Biol 104: Topics in Human Biology (3 units with lab)
Course No.: 10-104-01
This is a course in general biology with a human emphasis for non-majors. The general principles of evolution, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology are illustrated by reference to normal and abnormal human body function. Behavioral biology and ecology are also treated from a primarily human viewpoint. Two hours of lecture and one laboratory weekly fulfills the core curriculum requirement for life science with a lab.
Conducted in English M-Th, 11:30-2:30 (Three week seminar June 27-July 18)
Comm 103: Public Speaking (3 units)
Course No.: 18-103-01
Students learn effective public communication skills in an encouraging and educational environment. Students are taught an audience-sensitive approach to informative and persuasive speaking with special emphasis on effective professional presentations. Fulfills a Core Curriculum requirement in the social sciences. Also required of all Communication Studies majors. Non-majors and beginning speakers are welcome.
Conducted in English M-Th, 9:00-10:40
Comm 353: Organizational Communication (3 units)
Course No.: 18-103-01
Students learn organizational communication skills that help them become successful managers and leaders. The course focuses on the role of communication in developing productive work relationships, human-resource practices, and group dynamics. Students apply these skills in service learning opportunities outside the classroom by assisting University Ministry with established charitable programs and developing new philanthropic prospects. The course counts towards all Communication Studies emphases and non-majors are welcome.
Conducted in English M-Th, 11:30-1:10
Comm 475: Intercultural Communication (3 units)
Course No.: 18-475-01
This course allows students to explore intercultural communication theory and research within the experience of Mexico. Topics include similarities and differences in values, norms, in versus out group communication, and adaptation, with special emphasis on culture shock. The course explores mindful ways of enhancing such encounters. This course counts towards all Communication Studies emphasis (and non-majors) and as an Ethnic Studies elective.
Conducted in English M-Th, 11:30-2:30 (Three week seminar June 6-June 27)
Comp 100: Essential Computer Literacy (3 units)
Course No.: 19-100-01
This course teaches the most important and useful non-trivial computer literacy. It teaches real life problem solving using the technology behind the Interent, software tools, and automation through programming. Topics include creating and maintaining a useful website, extensible browser, collaboration software, spreadsheet design and programming. Anybody from computer novice to experienced user can benefit from this course, for life. Prior computer experience is not required. All classes are hands-on.
Conducted in English M-Th, 11:30-1:10
Engl 304W: Short Story of the Americas (3 units)
Course No.:24-304W-01(Section 1)
Course No.:24-304W-02 (Section 2)
This course will introduce students to seminal works in short fiction by writers from the South American continent, with some emphasis given to the influence North American authors (such as Poe and Faulkner) have had on their writing. Additional readings on post-colonial theory will help frame our understanding of how culture and identity are constructed in these works.
Conducted in English M-Th, 9:00-10:40 (Section 1), and 11:30-1:10 (Section 2)
Engl 223: Studies & Genre: Short Story of the Americas (3 units)
Course No.: 24-223-01 (Section 1)
Course No.: 24-223-02 (Section 2)
This course will introduce students to seminal works in short fiction by writers from the South American continent, with some emphasis given to the influence North American authors (such as Poe and Faulkner) have had on their writing. Additional readings on post-colonial theory will help frame our understanding of how culture and identity are constructed in these works.
Conducted in English M-Th, 9:00-10:40 (Section 1), and 11:30-1:10 (Section 2)
Etlw 302: Business and Society (3 units)
Course No.:93-302-01
This course examines principles of social responsibility, ethics, law, and stakeholder theory as they apply to organizations domestically and abroad. Coverage includes business ethics; individual versus societal interests; labor and employment issues; consumer protection; discrimination and diversity; the natural environment; politics, public policy, and government regulation of business. Particular attention is given to developing moral reasoning skills. Meets the requirements for the Environmental Studies minor. Prerequisite: MGMT 300.
Conducted in English M-Th, 9:00-10:40
Hist 384: History of Mexico (3 units)
Course No.: 32-384-01 (Section 1)
A survey of significant historical events in the development of the Mexican nation. Students will take a brief look at Porfirismo. The main focus will be on the era from 1810 to the Independence through the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz, and the U.S.-Mexican relations during the modern period. Fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for History.
Conducted in English M-Th, 11:30-1:10
Math 115: College Algebra ( 3 units )
Course No.: 40-115-01
Review of exponents, equations, and inequalities; function notation, composition, and inverses; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs. Note : Placement exams must be taken within one year of starting this course. Prerequisite: Mathematics 090 at USD with a grade of C- or better, or pass Level 1 mathematics placement exam. Fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for Mathematical Competency.
Conducted in English M-Th, 9:00-10:40
Mgmt 300: Organizational Behavior (3 units)
Course No.: 87-300-01
The study of human behavior in organizational settings. Examines the interface between human behavior and the organizational context, and presents frameworks for managing people in the organization. Topics addressed include: perceptual processes, personality, learning, motivation, attitudes, stress, group dynamics, intergroup behavior, conflict, power politics, leadership, and cross-cultural implications. Behavioral science concepts are applied through self-assessment, case studies, and experiential exercises. Special emphasis on Mexico and international management.
Conducted in English M-Th, 9:00-10:40
Mgmt 304: Entrepreneurship and New Ventures (3 units)
Course No.: 87-304-01
An examination of the problems and processes for launching and/or purchasing business ventures. Topics include the nature and role of the entrepreneur, identifying and assessing potential opportunities for new ventures, structuring and staffing the new venture, preparing the business plan, attracting venture capital, and dealing with key legal issues. Prerequisites: FINA 300, MGMT 300, and MKTG 300.
Conducted in English M-Th, 11:30-1:10
Mrkt 300: Fundamentals of Marketing (3 units)
Course No.: 96-300-01
An introduction to the critical role of marketing in our society with emphasis on the marketing concept, product, price, distribution, and promotion. Special emphasis on Mexico and international marketing.
Conducted in English M-Th, 11:30-1:10
Phil 330: Ethics (3 units)
Course No.: 46-330-01
A general study of principles or standards for judging individual and social conduct, focusing on major thinkers and philosophical issues in normative ethics, and the application of moral judgment to social or problem areas in human conduct. This course fulfills USD’s Ethics requirement.
Conducted in English M-Th, 9:00-10:40
Phil 360: Ethical Theory (3 units)
Course No.: 46-360-01
A study of the major theories of ethics and selected moral concepts. Topics to be examined will include: the nature and grounds of morality; ethical relativism; egoism and altruism; utilitarianism; Kant's deontological ethics; Aristotle and virtue ethics, rights, and justice. In addition, we may consider issues of the role of gender and race in ethical theory.
Conducted in English M-Th, 11:30-1:10
Phys 107: Astronomy
Course No.: 50-107-01
A survey of astronomy covering astronomical history, light, gravity, telescopes, the solar system, exo-solar systems, stellar evolution, galaxies, cosmology, and the search for extra-terrestrial life. How do we figure out what is going on in this huge universe? What is out there? How can we know what distant stars and galaxies are composed of if we are chained to this rock we call Earth? Is this the only place in the universe capable of supporting life, or are other Earths waiting to be discovered? These are some of the questions we will address this summer. Fulfills Core Curriculum requirement for a non-lab course in Physical Science.
Conducted in English M-Th, 11:30-2:30 (Three week seminar June 6-June 27)
Pols 175: International Relations (3 units)
Course No.: 52-175-01
This course examines major traditions in the discipline of international relations. Students are introduced to the study of the causes of war and the conditions of peace, international law and organizations, international political economy, great power politics, and foreign-policy decision making. The course also explores issues such as global poverty, immigration, refugees, human rights, and the environment as they affect international politics. Fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for Social Sciences.
Conducted in English. M-Th, 9:00-10:40
Pols 366: Politics of Mexico (3 units)
Course No.: 52-366-01
An overview of the contemporary Mexican political system. The primary focus is on the breakdown of the dominant party system in the late twentieth century and the subsequent recalibration of executive-legislative relations, decentralization of power and emergence of democratic political culture and competition.
Conducted in English M-Th, 11:30-1:10
Pols 594: Latin American Security (3 units)
(Graduate Seminar)
Course No.: 52-594-01
This team taught course (with faculty from the University of Guadalajara and the University of San Diego) examines a variety of issues in comparative politics and international security with reference to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. These issues include US intervention, drug trafficking, energy, terrorism, border disputes, security technologies, intraregional relations, immigration, civil war, and revolution. The class mixes lecture and seminar formats, with presentations in English and Spanish (with English translation) and discussions exclusively in English, and incorporates guest experts and optional excursions.
Conducted in English, M-Th, 11:30-2:30 (3 week seminar June 27-July 18)
Soci 311: Popular Culture (3 units)
Course No.: 60-311-01
An examination of the material and other cultural artifacts of everyday life in our society. Included for analysis are popular literature, films, television, and other mass media forms; popular icons such as children’s toys and adults’ automobiles as reflections of underlying cultural values and beliefs; and the promotion of “the good life” through popular advertising. Conducted in English. M-Th, 11:30-1:10
Soci 494: Special Topics: Sociology of Latin American Society (3 units)
Course No.: 60-494-01
Special focus on Mexico and its culture, social structures and institutions, including government, religion, family, music and art, education, stratification, urban and rural development, economics and migration.
Conducted in English M-Th. 9:00-10:40
Span 101: Elementary Spanish I (3 units)
Course No.: 62-101-01
First semester course in Spanish. Introduction to the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is on the first two with extensive pronunciation practice. Supplementary work in the daily practice session is required. No previous knowledge of Spanish is required.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 11:30-1:10
Span 102: Elementary Spanish II (3 units)
Course No.: 62-102-01 (Section 1)
Course No.: 62-102-02 (Sections 2)
Second semester course in Spanish. Continuation of Spanish 101. Review and conclusion of basic language skills. Daily practice session is required. Prerequisite: Spanish 101 or equivalent.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 9:00-10:40 (Section 1) and 11:30-1:10 (Section 2)
Span 201: Intermediate Spanish III (3 units)
Course No.: 62-201-01 (Section 1)
Course No.: 62-201-02 (Sections 2)
The final course of the Core language sequence completes the introduction of the basic structures of the language, with continuing emphasis on communicative proficiency. At this level, students are encouraged to participate in community service-learning and/or cultural activities within the Spanish-speaking communities. Attention is given to reading and basic composition. Prerequisite: Spanish 201 or equivalent.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 9:00-10:40 (Section 1), and 11:30-1:10 (Section 2)
Span 202: Intermediate Spanish IV (3 units)
Course No.: 62-202-01 (Section 1)
Course No.: 62-202-02 (Sections 2)
Fourth semester course in Spanish. Reading of selected works by well-known Spanish and Latin American authors. Practice in composition and conversation, with some grammar review for increased fluency in the language. Prerequisite: Spanish 201 or equivalent.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 9:00-10:40 (Section 1), and 11:30-1:10 (Section 2)
Span 300: Advanced Conversation (3 units)
Course No.: 62-300-01
A course designed for students who wish to enhance their command of spoken Spanish, including building vocabulary and expanding the use of more advanced grammatical structures. This course does not accept students who already have oral proficiency in the language. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 11:30-1:10
Span 301: Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition (3 units )
Course No.: 62-301-01 (Section 1)
Course No.: 62-301-02 (Sections 2)
An in-depth study of Spanish grammatical structure with emphasis on idiomatic expressions and syntax. Further development of oral and writing skills. Required for the Spanish major and for the single subject teaching credential. Prerequisite: Spanish 202 or equivalent.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 9:00-10:40 (Section 1), and 11:30-1:10 (Section 2)
Span 303: Introduction to Hispanic Literature (3 units)
Course No.: 62-303-01 (Section 1)
Course No.: 62-303-02 (Sections 2)
An introduction to Hispanic Literature through the reading of different genres. The course emphasis will be placed on the analysis of literary style and techniques of various authors. Required for the Spanish major and for the single subject teaching credential. Prerequisite: Spanish 202 or equivalent.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 9:00-10:40 (Section 1), and 11:30-1:10 (Section 2)
Span 304: Civilizations of Latin America (3 units)
Course No.: 62-304-01 (Section 1)
Course No.: 62-304-02 (Sections 2)
This course explores the history, geography, literary masterpieces, and customs of Spanish America . Fulfills the civilization course requirement for California 's Single Subject Teaching Credential. Prerequisite: Spanish 202 or equivalent.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 9:00-10:40 (Section 1), and 11:30-1:10 (Section 2)
Span 451: Latin American Poetry (3 units)
Course No.: 62-451-01
A study of the development of Latin American poetry from pre-Columbian times to the present. Prerequisites: SPAN 301 and 303, or equivalents.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 9:00-10:40
Span 453: Mexican Literature and Culture (3 units)
Course No.: 62-453-01
A survey of Mexican prose, poetry, and drama containing the principal trends followed in philosophy, music, and painting expressed in literary form. Prerequisites: Spanish 301 and 303 or equivalents.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 11:30-1:10
Span 494: Hispanic Cinema (3 units)
Course No.: 62-494-01
Advanced-level study of Spanish and Latin American film since 1950 as a document of changing societies. Includes discussion of the relationship between a literary opus and its cinematic interpretation. Specific focus on gender and politics in film. Prerequisites: Spanish 301 and 303 or equivalent.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 9:00-10:40
Thrs 366: The Problem of God (3 units)
Course No.: 54-366-01
The questions “What is God?” and “What does it mean to believe in God?” are investigated against the background of classical theism and modern thought. In the Guadalajara program, the course will review the thought of medieval Christian, Jewish and Islamic philosophers. Among course topics, the issue of belief and unbelief in Mexico’s history as well as the thought of some agnostic Spanish thinkers will be studied.
Conducted in English M-Th, 11:30-2:30 (Three week seminar June 6-June 27)
The following are one-unit recreational courses:
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Edrc 119: Introduction to Mexican Dance (1 unit)
Course No.: 23-119-01
A study of Mexican folklore dance. Students will learn how to dance the “bailes regionales” of Mexico . Students will need to purchase costumes, which will be available in Guadalajara , for this class. Estimated cost for dance costumes is $40-$55 dollars.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 1:20-2:20
Edrc 127: Latin Dance: Salsa and Merengue (1 unit)
Course No.: 23-127-01
Introduction to the basic steps and choreography of Salsa and Merengue with a special focus on the cultural history of each dance.
Conducted in Spanish M-Th, 1:20-2:20
Musc 108: Mexican Guitar (1 unit)
Course No.: 42-108-01
A study of Mexican music for the guitar. This course is open to beginners, as well as, advanced students. Guitars for the class can either be rented from the instructor or purchased in Guadalajara . Estimated cost for a new guitar in Guadalajara is $30-$40 dollars.
Conducted in English and Spanish M-Th, 1:20-2:20
Note: Classes will meet Monday – Thursday. There will be no classes on Friday, except for the final exams. All classes are subject to change. While the program will try to accommodate all schedule requests, space may be limited depending on the demand of certain classes and sections. Students will be notified in writing of such changes prior to the beginning of the summer program.
