SPAN325

This study abroad course in Peru provides students with the opportunity of engaging in hands-on field work in community medicine, while using their language skills and cultural competence. The emphasis in community medicine is on the early diagnosis of disease, the recognition of environmental and occupational hazards to good health, and the prevention of disease in the community. To this end, the course provides comprehensive health services ranging from preventive to rehabilitative services. While in Lima, students will work with the guidance of a local placement advisor in the field for 25 hours a week and attend lectures for 20 hours in a four-week program. Ramapo faculty will, first, accompany students on these lectures and field hours and then meet with students to help them dissect the medical vocabularv and cultural contexts used in the local settings though lectures and class discussions. ln order to interact, effectively, with the community, as well as understanding the content of
theoretical lectures, students are required to take SPAN 202: Intermediate ll or equivalent proficiency before this study abroad course, as a prerequisite. Students are also encouraged to take SPAN 311 “Spanish for Health Care and Human Services” in advance in order to gain an understanding of contemporary Peruvian society, students will attend and participate in lectures at Ramapo based on Peruvian contemporary history and society, as well as preventive campaigns led by the Peruvian Health ministry. On their way back, students will give an oral presentation of their reports and engage in a
discussion on their reflective essays.