Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
2011 Spring Semester - Early Start - Academics

Academic Focus

The Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Program at the CEA Global Campus in Buenos Aires is designed for students of all language levels who wish to take courses in English and Spanish in a wide variety of subject areas within the liberal arts and social sciences. You have the opportunity to choose courses focused specifically on Argentina or on Latin America as a whole.  The diversity in curriculum allows you the flexibility to choose courses that best meet your individual academic and personal needs.

You will enroll in one Spanish language course as well as three to four additional electives of your choice.  You can opt to take all of your electives in English in order to earn credit toward your major or graduation requirements. If your language proficiency is at the advanced level or above, you also can choose to take electives in Spanish to further your language skills. Regardless of language of instruction or subject area, all courses offered at the CEA Global Campus in Buenos Aires are designed to help students gain insight into the history, culture and politics of Argentina and Latin America in an interactive academic setting.

Courses at the CEA Global Campus in Buenos Aires are uniquely designed to make use of Buenos Aires as the "classroom." Both in and out of class, students are encouraged to explore the city and draw connections between their first-hand observations and the subjects they are studying.

Program Goals

• discipline-based knowledge in the liberal arts and social sciences;
• analytic insight into salient cultural differences in the host country’s approach to targeted concepts and issues within these fields, all considered within the larger context of globalization and;  
• Spanish language and intercultural communication skills.

Early Start

This program also features a unique Early Start option, where students will arrive early and take a two week intensive language preparation course at the Global Campus. This course is focused on grammar and conversation and is designed to help you adjust to your new surroundings and brush up on your language skills before the start of the semester.

All semester language courses and electives meet for a total of 45 contact hours and are generally worth 3 credits in the U.S. semester system. If students enroll in 5 classes, they can earn up to 15 credits in the U.S. semester system. Students participating in the Early Start option will received an additional 45 contact hours of instruction, which is usually worth 3 credits in the US semester system.  However, it is up to the discretion of your academic advisor how much credit will be awarded at the home institution.

Schedule Summary

Semester classes at the Global Campus meet one to three times per week for a total of 3 contact hours.  Classes are typically held Monday through Thursday, although study trips and other required fieldwork may occur on Fridays.  Classes are offered at various times throughout the day.  Class timetables will be released approximately three months before the program closure date, and your final course schedule will be posted to your MyCEA Account about two weeks before the program start date.

During the intensive language portion of the program students will meet Monday through Thursday for a total of 19 hours per week. Class times vary and your final course schedule will be determined onsite.

Course Registration

Students must register for semester courses at the CEA Global Campus prior to departure for Buenos Aires. A course preference form will be posted to your MyCEA Account when course timetables are released. This form should be completed upon submission of your confirmation deposit, but no later than the program closure date. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so it is in your best interest to submit your course preference form as soon as possible.

Course preferences are considered final when submitted to CEA. You will take an online language placement exam prior to the program closure date and will receive a preliminary language level assignment. However, your final language level may be adjusted on site. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to submitting your course preference form.