INTERNATIONAL SPECIALISATION COURSE
INTERCULTURALITY AND CULTURES ALIVE IN LA ARAUCANÍA
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The course offers a clear and professional approach, with the aims of developing an experience-based knowledge of the Spanish language, and of understanding the dynamics of inter-ethnic and intercultural relationships between the Mapuche and Western Chilean society.
STRUCTURE
The course is delivered through blended learning. The learning process takes the form of on-site activities (in particular the evaluation stages), complimented by virtual environments (the university’s EDUCA/Moodle platform).
Monday to Wednesday from 9:30am to 1:30pm and from 3:15pm to 7pm. Thursday and Friday from 8am to 7pm. Experience in real-life sociocultural contexts (field trips).
TARGET AUDIENCE
Aimed at national and international students and professionals who are interested in acquiring theoretical and practical knowledge of indigenous studies in La Araucanía, Chile. The specific focus is on the Mapuche culture, including language, customs, art, history, world vision and current affairs.
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
Generate an experience-based knowledge of Spanish and Mapudungun in their respective sociocultural contexts.
Familiarisation with inter-ethnic and intercultural relationship dynamics between the Mapuche and Western Chilean society.
1. Gain basic communication skills in Chilean Spanish in both formal and day-to-day social contexts.
2. Learn the Mapuzungun language for getting by in daily life.
3. Reflect critically on present-day interactions between the Mapuche and the State, developing tools for understanding the current problems and demands of the Mapuche.
This course aims to develop four main areas of learning:
a. Communicative Chilean Spanish: The aim of this module is to improve the students’ basic communication skills so that they can function fully in their social environment (at home, out and about and as part of the daily routine).
b. Chilean National Identity: This module focusses on the teaching of Chilean culture and identity. It will cover themes relating to general aspects of Chilean society and culture: language, gender, family and personal relationships.
c. Dynamics and Culture Alive in La Araucanía: This module aims to give the students an understanding of Mapuche culture starting with its distinctive features, linguistic territorial identity in the relationship between western and Mapuche medicine, and more.
d. Basic Communication in Mapudungun: The aim of this module is to develop familiarity with the Mapuche language such that a student may enter into simple conversations.
This is a general learning course focussed on the acquisition of a basic knowledge of Chilean language, culture and identity, and of contemporary Mapuche culture with a special emphasis on language and society.
The programme will be delivered in modules focussing on the principal objectives of intercultural relations, as well as elemental knowledge of language and culture, which are fundamental components of the Mapuche identity.
The theoretical concepts and methodological tools which will be used throughout the course will specifically address traditional wisdom and knowledge of Mapuche culture. The teaching and learning strategy will be active, collaborative and closely linked to the understanding of roles and practices, leading to analysis and reflection on the parts played by different groups. Learning will be centred around the social interactions of working together, dialogue, critical reflection and systematisation.
Some of the techniques which will be employed to make connections and to analyse critically will include visits to local communities, testimonial speeches, cultivating a sense of belonging, and classes and workshops with experts.