Global Citizenship in Bolivia
Public
Service
Location
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Description
This course introduces students to
the theoretical underpinnings of an increasingly regular student
impulse: conscious ethical participation in a global community.
From Ancient Greek conceptions of citizens of the Cosmopolis
to Martha Nussbaum's contemporary 'thick, vague conception
of the good,' the notion of global citizenship is imbued with
enough hope to last for centuries, yet enough practical difficulties
to remain - some argue - merely a notion. Students in this
course will review conceptions of global citizenship and associated
ethics and consider those approaches in light of their intercultural
travel and service in Bolivia.
Upon acceptance into the course, students will receive reading
assignments to be completed before meeting the instructor
and the rest of the class in Cochabamba. Completing the readings
and a preliminary paper before traveling allows for immediate
engaged discussion on global citizenship in the context of
intercultural immersion and exchange and service through community
partnership. Upon arrival in Bolivia, the class will first
engage in an academic retreat.
Students will explore notions of global citizenship and wrestle
with inherently difficult associated questions such as the
possibility of universalism, respect for diversity within
a universalistic context, whether and when respect for diversity
may be culled in favor of universalistic values, and much
more. As the direct service portion, which will last for approximately
two weeks, of the course begins students will continue to
reflect on their academic understanding of global citizenship
as they cooperate with community members to complete needed
community infrastructure efforts.
As the service portion of the experience concludes, the class
will again immerse itself in reflective academic discussion
on global citizenship and its relation to our collective experiences
in Cochabamba. Students will be encouraged to develop frameworks
- whether through global civil society, consumer decisions,
political decisions within the state, or something else -
through which they are able to exercise global citizenship.
To fulfill course objectives students will: demonstrate familiarity
with conceptions of global citizenship; develop a philosophical
and practical approach to membership, whether affirmative
or de facto, in a global community; and engage in an intercultural
discussion with host community members regarding global citizenship.
What is Public Service?
Pitt's Public Service Program http://www.pitt.edu/~cgs/public_service.pdf
The major in public service is a way for Pittsburgh's young adults to pursue meaningful and rewarding employment in government service, nonprofit management, the corporate environment, or as a citizen activist. Many of these classes get you into the community through a partnership with Amizade!
Bolivia
Cochabamba is
situated in a valley surrounded by the breath-taking Andes
Mountains. The city often boasts of its perfect climate with
a daytime seasonal average of 72 F with no humidity. Despite
the beautiful scenery and perfect climate, Bolivia is one
of the poorest countries in all of the Americas. Cochabamba
faces major problems such as shortages of water for farming,
poor soil, and lack of industry.
This course in Bolivia offers volunteers the opportunity to
experience both the urban and rural aspects of Bolivia. Cochabamba
is a bustling city of 400,000 people. In addition to it's
beautiful plazas, fountains, and churches, Cochabamba has
the largest open air market in all of South America. Possible
field trips include visits to the Andes, the rainforest, and
Inca ruins.
Our service will be the construction
of a school in a rural area just outside of Cochabamba. This
project will be the start of a brand-new two story school
house for a large number of children who are currently taking
classes in a converted barn. This new schoolhouse will continue
to build sustainable structures for the community, which began
years ago with the construction of an orphanage for street
children that now houses 40 children.
Details
Instructor:
Eric Hartman
Credits: 6
Service-Learning Abroad: May
12 - June 6, 2004
Credits
Awarded: Credits are awarded for this course through
the University of Pittsburgh. This course fulfills Global
Citizenship (PUBSERV 1380) for 3 credits and Public Service
Independent Study (PUBSERV 1901) for 3 credits.
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