University Course Description 

This course allows students to analyze of Peru through different processes that have marked its cultural wealth and tradition. The first part of this class is devoted to understanding the pre-Columbian period, the colonization process, and the modern republic to then analyze the different responses and adaptations that took place in history.  In the second section, we will discuss the different topics related to sociocultural complexity like social and environmental conflicts, religion, languages, sociopolitical life, etcetera.  

 

Course Prerequisites 

There are no requirements for this class. 

 

Course Purpose  

The objective of the class is to increase knowledge about the Cultures of Peru and create an impact in local communities. This course prepares students to critically analyze one or more aspects of Peruvian culture with special emphasis on Cusco and the creation of a community project. 

 

How to Succeed in this Course 

All students take the midterm exam, final exam, and Capstone project. All students should consider the following points. 

 

• Take an active role in learning and remain connected by logging into Schoology regularly. Use the online environment to collaborate and engage with your instructor and classmates. 

• Interact with your classmates., the best predictors of success in this course are a student’s level of engagement. Student-to-student interactions — like engaging in group work and using the course’s discussion forum to explore topics or questions — will contribute to the learning process. 

• Stay disciplined. Set a schedule for completing coursework (readings, viewing lectures, working on projects and assignments, studying for tests, etc.) and stick to it. Make a list of all the assignments and exams you have to finish and their deadlines, and do not procrastinate. 

• Reach out. Contact your instructor if you have any questions or need clarification. Your instructor can offer ideas or solutions if you need additional considerations due to external factors (e.g. family needs, slow/low internet capabilities) that impact your ability to complete your work. I urge students to reach out well in advance. 

Course Objectives 

Discuss and understand primary and secondary sources that shed light upon any aspect of the Peruvian history and culture. 

Analyze the culture phenomenon in Cusco region to better understand the social, economic, and cultural differences between your own country and Peru.  

 

Student Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

Students will be able to identify and describe different local manifestations of culture and discern cultural complexities. 

Students will be able to draw on personal experiences and classroom learning to develop common ground for interactions with people from other cultures. 

Students will be able to identify, describe, and analyze important social issues from multiple cultural perspectives. 

Students will be able to relate to diverse groups of people while recognizing cultural and individual differences in interaction and communication. 

Students will be able to identify and describe how other socio-structural factors impact the Peruvian society. 

 

Required Texts and/or Readings and Course Materials 

All reading materials will be distributed electronically in Cusco. No books are required for this class.  

 

Grading Scale 

 

Grading Scale (%) 

94-100 

A 

90 – 93 

A- 

87 – 89 

B+ 

84 – 86 

B 

80 – 83 

B- 

77 – 79 

C+ 

74 – 76 

C 

70 – 73  

C- 

67 – 69 

D+ 

64 – 66 

D 

60 – 63 

D- 

0 – 59 

F 

 

Grade Categories and Weights 

Evaluation will be ongoing and will take in consideration the issues established in the competencies and in their use by each student. The dates for the Midterm and Final Exam will be indicated by ISA. Readings, tasks, class work and written reports are evaluated. 

 

Ongoing evaluation (homework, field trips reports, quizzes, written work, readings, research, projects, and presentations) 

50% 

Participation in Class (oral participation, discussion, and attitude in class) 

10% 

Capstone project  

20% 

Midterm 

10% 

Final Exam 

10% 

 

Essay and Project Assignments  

 

CAPSTONE PROJECT: Identify and research a contemporary cultural phenomenon or issue in Peru. Identify root causes or origins, discuss current manifestations, and address community-based organizations that are aligned with the phenomenon or issue. Research should be based on interviews, academic articles, or literary sources.   

 

FINAL EXAM: The final exam will be administered during class time on the date noted in the class schedule. The exam will review the entire course. The exam will be graded out of 100%. Rescheduling of exams will not be accepted except in cases of documented unforeseeable emergencies. Traveling and fieldwork do not qualify as such; so please, plan accordingly. 

 

FINAL PRESENTATION: The final presentation will be based on the capstone project and should focus on the analysis of their research. The students can use PowerPoint, or any other media approved by the professor. The presentation will not exceed 15 minutes and will not be shorter than 10 minutes. 

 

LATE PAPER POLICY: Late papers will not be accepted except in cases of unforeseeable emergencies. The same policy applies for granting extensions. Traveling and fieldwork do not qualify as such. The syllabus schedule will be held to; please plan accordingly. 

Provide students with a primer on how to perform well in this course specifically. Given the subject matter, are there certain study strategies you suggest? Many students may benefit from an overall introduction to effective study techniques. Consider also listing what students need to know as they begin this course, including specific knowledge or content that should have been mastered in previous courses. It can be very beneficial to provide them with links to learn more if they need to get up to speed with particular skills or knowledge sets. 

 

Course Schedule 

 

COURSE CALENDAR 

Week 

Chapter 

Learning procedure 

Content 

1 

 

Introduction 

Class explanation, methodology explanation, class agreements. 

We will get a full explanation about the class, field trips, and any other relevant dates. 

Understanding the Peruvian society 

 

Class Introduction 

We will understand the geographical and historical context of Peru. 

The Pre Inca history 

The professor explains the Pre Inca-Cultures: 

Concepts of the most representative pre-Inca cultures which influenced and contributed to our current society through their knowledge. 

2 

The Inca history 

The professor explains the most important facts of the Inca culture, political, economic, social and religious through and their influence in our society 

The Colonial history 

The professor shows the information concerned to the Spanish Colony, the Independence and The Republic time. 

Capstone project assessment 

The students will discuss the Capstone project 

3 

 

The Liberation process and the Black Culture (afro Peruvian) in Peru and Tupac Amaru II Rebellion 

Students will be able to discuss the complex item related to liberty and freedom and the importance of the Afro-Peruvian and the legacy in the current Peruvian Society. Also the  professor explains the rebellion of Tupac Amaru II as an Inca reinvent 

Last Military dictatorship 

The professor explains the most relevant dictatorships in Peruvian history with especial emphasis in “Velasco Alvarado:  The land issue and the Agrarian Reform” 

4 

 

The social, economic, and politic crisis with a special 

emphasis in Alan Garcia government 

The Professor will explain the social, economic, and politic crisis with a special emphasis in Alan Garcia government 

Field trip 1 

Visit an archeological sites or museum 

The terrorist organization: Shining Path, MRTA 

Students will be informed about the terrorist actions and the effect in Peruvian society. 

5 

Understanding the Peruvian society 

 

Capstone project assessment 

The students will discuss the Capstone project 

The Fujimori´s Illiberal Democracy 

Students will analyze the construction of the civil dictatorship from the beginning, successful and declining government. They will justify why Fujimori is in jail. 

6 

The transition from Fujimori´s government to the current government. Part 1 

The Professor will explain the transition from Fujimori´s government to Alan Garcia 2nd government 

Field trip 2 

Visit an archeological sites or museum 

7 

The transition from Fujimori´s government to the current government. Part 2 

The Professor will explain the transition from Alan Garcia 2nd government to the current president of Peru 

 

Mid-term exam 

N/A 

N/A 

8 

People and Cultures phenomenon 

 

The most popular religions and their influence on Peruvian culture. 

The students debate and evaluate the pros and cons of the church´s influence. 

Capstone project assessment 

The students will discuss the Capstone project 

9 

 

The Peruvian linguistics including different dialects and speech and their problems. 

Using a small group activity, the students debate the benefits and disadvantages of the loss of languages. 

Corruption in Peru. 

Students will be informed about how corruption affects Peruvian society 

10 

Drug trafficking in Peru 

Students will be discovering the cause and effects of drug trafficking.in Peru. 

Field trip 3 

Visit an archeological sites or museum 

11 

The major past and current social and environmental conflicts and social violence in Peru. 

Using past and current newspaper articles the students will discuss the causes of social and environmental conflicts and how these actions affect the rest of the world. 

12 

Migration process at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century 

The students will gain a better understanding of migration from the Migration process at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century 

Capstone project assessment 

The students will discuss the Capstone project 

13 

The Chicha Culture 

The students will discuss about the principal and most popular traditions in Peru regarding the Chicha culture.  Students will be able to define the characteristics of this urban culture. 

Field trip 4 

Visit an archeological sites or museum 

The modern Peruvian culture 

CHICHA CULTURE. 

The professor explains the modern Peruvian culture. 

14 

Final Exam 

N/A 

N/A 

Final 

Final Presentation 

 

Capstone Presentation 

NO 

Capstone Presentation 

NO 

Capstone Presentation 

NO 

***SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** 

Field trips: 

Field trip to San Pedro Market  

Field Trip Chocco (optional) 

Field Trip  Baratillo Flea Market (optional) 

Field trip to Saqsayhuaman, kenqo, Pikillacta y Tipon. 

Museo histórico Regional  

Field trip to local Church or convent and Niño compadrito cult. 

Cooking classes. 

 

Course Policies: Student Expectations 

 

Attendance and Punctuality: 

Attendance and punctuality are basic requirements for an effective discussion and team-based course. Beyond that, each person's frequency, and quality of contribution to the class discussion will be assessed and reflected in the class participation score. 

Five absences (excused or unexcused) lower the final course grade by five points (approximately a half letter grade). The final course grade will be lowered an additional five points for each class missed over and above the first three. If the student accumulates more than five unexcused absences, he/she will be placed on academic probation, and the home university will be notified. In the event of an emergency or illness, students should petition for an excused absence from the professor with the appropriate documentation within a week of the absence. 

Missing a reading/video session counts as 1.5 absences; missing a field trip counts as two absences. The third time a student is more than 10 minutes late to a class, it will be considered an unexcused absence. 

 

Late Work Policy: 

There are no makeups for assignments (presentations, leading reading sessions, and exams), unless the student demonstrates need in advance (and the Professor agrees) that a significant life-event prevents him/her from attending class, or if a documented emergency is provided. The following are not acceptable excuses: scheduled flights or trips, scheduled non-emergency doctor appointments, picking up relatives or friends at the airport, etc. If a student schedules something else during a class when is to give a presentation, lead a discussion session, or take an exam, the student will get a zero for that grade. 

In the event of an excused absence, students will be expected to confer with the professor regarding the possibility of making up any missed coursework, homework and/or exams. In the event of an unexcused absence, students are responsible for any missed coursework and notes, but late homework will not be accepted. 

 

Professionalism Policy: 

Bear in mind you are in a professional school and a member of a learning community. Thus, you are expected to comport yourself as a professional person. For instance, be on time for class, do not leave the class while it is in progress for other than emergencies -if you need to do so, make sure you ask the professor for permission-, turn off cell phones, and be respectful of others’ viewpoints even if you disagree with them, do not use improper language, do not put your feet up on your desk, raise your hand if you want to participate, and dress appropriately for professional activities. 

 

Food and Drink Policy: 

No food is allowed in the classroom. Your understanding of the necessity for this policy and cooperation will be greatly appreciated. This policy will be strictly enforced.  

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