Dear members of Venezuela: Building Economic and Social Justice program,
In less than a month we will begin our work together. Our class meets for the first time on Tuesday, September 30th. Our class meetings will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with
one Spanish-language section scheduled on Thursday.
Rooms and times are as follows:
Tuesday 9:30-11:30 Presentation/Lecture/Film Library 1540
Tuesday 12:30-2:30 Seminar Sem 2, A-2105, A-3105
Tuesday 3-5 Advanced/Intermediate Spanish Sem 2, A-2105
Tuesday 6-8 Advanced Beginning Spanish Sem 2, A-3105
Wednesday 9-1 Workshop (Photography…) Sem 2, A-1107
Thursday 6-8 Advanced Beginning Spanish Sem 2, A-2105
Friday 9:30-11:30 Presentation/Lecture/Film Sem 2, D-1107
Friday 12:30-2:30 Seminar Sem 2, A-2107, A-3107
Friday 3-5 Advanced/Intermediate Spanish Sem 2, A-2105
Spanish: Spanish classes are taught by David Phillips. On the first day of class David will evaluate your Spanish skills and assign you to one of two Spanish sections: Advanced Beginning or Advanced/Intermediate. The evaluation will have both written and oral components and will include some basic translation, conversation and for more advanced students, some more extensive writing.
Students who are at a very beginning level may remain in the class, but should not expect to travel
to Venezuela in winter. The evaluation is 3-8pm in Seminar 2, A-2107. Everyone must be there promptly at 3 and stay until David has finished his work with you.
Here is our reading list for the quarter (in order):
Eduardo Galeano, Open Veins of Latin America
Richard Gott, Hugo Chavez and the Bolivarian Revolution
Greg Wilpert, Changing Venezuela by Taking Power
Myles Horton and Paulo Friere, We Make the Road by Walking
Greg Grandin, Empire’s Workshop
Robin Hahnel, Economic Justice and Democracy
Vijay Prashad and Teo Ballavé, Dispatches from Latin America
There will also be articles and short readings to supplement the main texts.
For students going to Venezuela there are 2 additional texts to read over December break:
Eva Gollinger, Bush vs. Chavez
Charlie Hardy, Cowboy in Caracas
Please have the first book, Eduardo Galeano’s Open Veins of Latin America, read in its entirety for our first meeting. Bring the book—and your notes on the reading—to class.
Program Expectations: This is a demanding class with a lot of substantive, exciting material to cover.Every one of us has a great deal to learn—and something valuable to teach. The structure of
learning communities requires responsible participation from everyone. We are also preparing for a full winter quarter in Venezuela—a quarterthat has required intensive organization, and lots
of support from our Venezuelan collaborators. It’s important that we hold ourselves to a high
standard—as individuals and as a group.
Within the program we expect everyone to:
-Fulfill all commitments—to the group, your student colleagues and your faculty.
-Attend all classes, unless excused.
-Be prompt. Lateness is not acceptable.
-Complete all work and turn it in promptly.
-Ensure that your work is the highest possible quality.
-Demonstrate academic honesty and integrity.
-Be willing to grapple with new ideas and experiences.
-Demonstrate engagement with and understanding of program materials.
-Show respect for all members of the learning community.
While these are firm expectations for all of us, they are especially important for those hoping to go
to Venezuela in winter. In order to go to Venezuela, you must fulfill all program expectations and
receive full credit in fall quarter. You must also be able to demonstrate that you are ready for
Intermediate Level Spanish by the end of fall quarter.
Winter travel costs: The cost of winter quarter travel was budgeted at $3600. Venezuela is
experiencing over 20% annual inflation, which means the cost of living is rising quickly. Costs are
rising in the U.S. too, especially airfare. We anticipate that fees for winter quarter travel will
be $3700—slightly more than anticipated. A deposit of $150 will be due on November 12.
Alternatives to Venezuela travel: We have worked with our colleagues, Tom Womeldorf and Diego Acosta,to create an alternative for students who are not going to Venezuela. Their program, “Cultural Crossings: Spain and the Americas” will take new students in winter quarter and will give first preference to students from the Venezuela program who are in good standing. “Cultural Crossings” is atwo-quarter interdisciplinary program with a strong emphasis on Spanish. There is also an option to rejoin the Venezuela program in spring to work on project development and publication.
Program Aide position: We are looking for a program aide: in fall, this means maintaining a program
website, arranging publicity and logistical details for speakers, and assisting with weekly organizational work. This is a 3-quarter position, 10 hours per week, Work Study preferred. Please
contact Pete or Anne if you are interested.
Please contact us if you have any questions. We are looking forward to working together.
Anne Fischel Peter Bohmer
fischela@evergreen.edu bohmerp@evergreen.edu
(360) 867-6416 (360) 867-6431