The ethnographic research and service learning course explores a variety of areas of knowledge that are critical to understanding rural communities in the global age, including the impact of globalization on local economies, the formation of transnational cultural identities, and the revitalization and decline of local cultures. Students reside in one local community of a rural area and, under supervision of the instructor, collect ethnographic field data, provide services to local communities. (Prereq: Junior or Senior Standing)
Course narrative: This class was my study abroad class and I had an amazing time studying for a month in Spain. We learned about the Spanish Civil War and how it still impacts the country today. For this class, we had to submit a weekly photo report, take field notes, write a research paper, conduct an interview, and give a presentation. The class was very intense but Professors Gutierrez and Shenk were very supportive and were incredibly open to ways to improve the class. Because the class was taught in Spain, I was immersed in Spanish culture for the duration of the class. This class also greatly improved my speaking and listening abilities. You can read my final paper for this class here, see one of my weekly photo reports here, and read my field notes here. This class fulfills the MLO 5 requirement.