| GCOS 143 Holistic Health and Culture Seminar |
| The goal of this seminar is to facilitate a holistic vision of health and healing through an understanding of society’s influences. This is a weekly seminar that provides the opportunity for students to study some of the healing traditions used in Latin America [Costa Rica and Panama or Ecuador used as examples], while also reflecting about their own cultural traits on the subject. The seminar provides a basic understanding of different holistic healing approaches used in the region with an emphasis on the study of medicinal plants as well as indigenous ways of healing. Basic theory about holistic health is reviewed. Holistic healing and allopathic medicine, traditionally opponents, are studied under the light of the current integrative experiences in Latin America. During a two-week field trip to Panama or Ecuador, students visit indigenous communities and health integrated projects. Small field trips in Costa Rica also contribute to the understanding of folk medicine in urban areas. |
| GCOS 150 Global Environmental Issues and Latin America Seminar |
| This elective seminar addresses the Latin American environmental situation in the global context. Participants learn how Latin America is contributing to, and is being affected by, the most pressing environmental global issues. The main regional policies and grassroots actions to respond to the regional environmental issues will be studied, including indigenous people's strategies. Possible topics include: global and regional indicators of climate change, pollution, loss of habitat and cultural diversity, extinction of species, water scarcity, alternative agriculture, solid waste management, ecological restoration and sustainability. These subjects are covered with the participation of local experts and environmental leaders in Costa Rica and Panama or Nicaragua. A week fieldtrip and several short visits in Costa Rica are complemented with a two-week educational trip in Panama or Nicaragua. |
COSTA RICA CENTER (GCOS) COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - GCOS 102 Living Latin American Culture I |
