Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions:

Spanish Language. 4 hours. The first three weeks of the semester will be full-time intensive Spanish language classes followed by two hours weekly for the remainder of the semester. Students will be placed in groups by ability level so each of two or three groups will move forward to a higher level of Spanish fluency. Emphasis will be on speaking, listening, grammar and pronunciation with added attention to reading and writing skills. Bolivian Evangelical University will be responsible for identifying qualified language instructors, in consultation with Ron Stansell. It is recommended that participating students take at least a semester of Spanish in his/her respective institution prior to enrolling. Proficiency that is equivalent to the one semester of Spanish could be substituted if verified by a Spanish instructor or placement exam.

Religions of South America. 3 hours. This course will provide a study of the major religions present in contemporary South America: animism, Roman Catholicism, and Evangelical Protestant Christianity. Ron Stansell will be the professor of record and will arrange for a number of guest lecturers. The class will meet three times a week unless there is a learning tour.

History of Latin America. 3 hours. This will be a study of the history of Latin American countries from pre-colonial times to the present, with an emphasis on the conditions that have led to the crises of recent years. Ron Stansell will be the professor of record and will arrange for a number of guest lecturers. The class will meet three times a week unless there is a learning tour.

Customs and Cultures of South America. 3 hours. This course serves to support the student in the diverse cultural adjustments, using an interdisciplinary approach to capture various worldviews, looking at contemporary cultural issues and highlighting some unique differences country by country. Ron Stansell will be the professor of record and BEU faculty and guest lecturers will assist. The class will meet three times a week unless there is a learning tour.

Practicum in Service or Ministry. 3 hours. This course will be completed by spending the first month surveying possibilities for service or ministry, selecting an agency, then completing two days a week of practicum hours during the remainder of the semester under the direction of an on-site supervisor and the SASP faculty and staff.