By Cecilia Cress
News Co-Editor
The Global Education Office of Washington College announced a new summer program in an Oct. 27 email, ILC 394: (Re)-defining Women’s Rights in Puerto Rico.
According to Associate Dean for International Education Dr. Rebeca Moreno, the course is a four-credit, “intensive two week program” that is “perfectly suited to students from all majors who have broad interest in culture, literature, politics, and the arts.”
“Students will earn four credits and can use the course to satisfy the Business Global Learning Requirement, International Studies Experiential Learning Requirement, or credits for the Latin American Studies Program, Black Studies, Gender Studies, and HPS major if written work is done in Spanish. Students are encouraged to discuss credit options with their advisor before registering,” Dr. Moreno said.
Students will also complete 10 hours of community service during the course “at Casa Protegida Julia de Burgos, San Juan’s first shelter for female survivors of domestic violence,” according to Dr. Moreno.
According to the email, the purpose of this course is “to expose students to the configuration of women’s rights as human rights in the context of the Caribbean archipelago.”
The course will “approach issues through a transdisciplinary lens,” and will discuss “Puerto Rican gender politics, reproductive rights, environmental rights, and feminist social movements within its complex colonial status. Students will analyze and examine how women, particularly women of color, have led the rights movement, but also their contributions to policy-making as an approach to seeking solutions for local and global issues.”
This is a brand new course that has never been offered at WC before, and will take place from May 23 to June 7, 2022.
“Although not a classic study abroad destination, Puerto Rico offers a unique experience for students seeking a short-term option. San Juan is just a quick flight away from most major U.S. cities, is currently at a level 3 travel status, and travelers are not required to carry their passports if they have documents issued by the U.S. government,” Dr. Moreno said.
“Whether [students] are looking to learn more about the Latin American nation or looking to practice [their] Spanish skills, this program offers the chance to explore the island´s politics as well as visit pristine beaches and a rainforest,” Dr. Moreno said.
According to Dr. Moreno, the program also offers opportunities for students to go to Old San Juan, El Yunque National Rainforest, and Afro-Caribbean community Loíza Aldea.
There will be an interest meeting about the program on Nov. 17 at 4:30 p.m. in Goldstein 107.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Photo Caption: Students will have access to unique experiences and day trips during the summer program such as a guided walking tour of Old San Juan and El Yungue National Rainforest, Utuado, and more.