Communications & Culture in Buenos Aires
2009 Exploration Seminar in Argentina
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. PLEASE CONSIDER ANOTHER EXPLORATION SEMINAR PROGRAM!
Program Director: Kathleen Fearn-Banks , Communications
Dates of Instruction: August 28 to September 22, 2009
Argentina has a vibrant cultural life and a distinctive and unique style. European and American influences are apparent in its architecture, art, music, films and cuisine. It also has a diverse population with interesting class cultures as well as women’s issues.
In this course, students will observe or/and experience mass communication, interpersonal communication, intercultural communication. Through involvement and observations, they will explore various forms of culture, both high culture and popular culture. The essential point of the class is to observe how culture affects communication and conversely how communication affects culture. (Readings and instruction will be forthcoming.)
Students will be required to visit various sites of mass communication – an international public relations agency, a newspaper, a TV station, an international wire service, and perhaps other outlets. They will also share experiences with communication majors at Universidad Argentina de la Empresa. No more than half of the three-week period will be spent on organized tours. The balance of the stay will be determined by each student and his/her interests.
Each participant will be required to experience and explore sites (primarily of his/her choice) in the fine arts as well as sites of popular culture . However, he/she may concentrate on one particular area of culture in exploring the intersection of communication and culture. For example, students interested in art may spend much of their time in art galleries like the Museo de Arts Espanol. Students interested in architecture may travel throughout Buenos Aires and study its  historic buildings (Palais de Glace, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, etc.). Students interested in music may attend sites of opera, classical music and/or jazz, rock and blues venues. Those interested in theatre may study Teatro Avenida, Teatro Cervantes and others. Popular culture also includes fashion, culture clubs, film, soccer, dance. Cuisine is also very important to the culture and the course.
Students interested in women’s issues, ethnicity, or religion may concentrate on this in their time in Buenos Aires. Spanish (the language of Argentina) students may study the language as used in mass communications as well as inter-personal communication. The possibilities are only limited to what is available to observe and explore in the city.
Course Objectives: Students completing the course will:
 be able to contrast and compare mass communications outlets in the U.S. and Argentina.- be able to recognize elements of the culture of Argentina in general and Buenos Aires in particular.
- develop their own theories of how culture impacts the media and how media impacts culture.
- broaden their world view.
- have fun.
Planned Excursions and Experiences (included in fee)
 Edelman Public Relations- Universidad Argentina de la Empresa
- Buenos Aires Herald (newspaper written in English).
- Other mass media outlets
- Tour of the city
- Full-day in Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay (ferry ride), a laid-back town with cobbled streets, beaches, a change of pace from Buenos Aires
- Visit to Estancia La Cinacina, a show with traditional dances, gaucho skills, horse races, horseback riding, carriage rides
- Football (soccer) game
- Dinner and Tango show with tango lessons
Assignments: Each student will write a paper to be submitted at a pre-arranged date during the fall quarter, 2009. Each student will also be part of a group project to be done on Power Point. Each student will read the Buenos Aires Herald online in the weeks preceding the visit. In country, students will be expected to read the actual newspaper.
Students selected will be capable of working in teams as well as individually. They will be capable of bring prompt, courteous, and a positive representative of the university. Being fluent in Spanish is helpful but not required.
 Credits: Students may earn five credits through the Dept. of Communication as follows:
- COM 478 Intercultural Communications (I&S)
- COM 498 Independent Studies (Communication majors only)
Students should check with their advisors to determine how these credits can count towards departmental requirements. Non-matriculated students may also apply.
Student Costs:
Questions?
E-mail Professor Fearn-Banks at kfb@u.washington.edu
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