Interdisciplinary Studies 400-A: O'Donnell Endowment - Special Topic in Applied International Studies: Andean Worldview & Global Interactions: Understanding & Strengthening Indigenous Culture in Otavalo, Ecuador

Credits 1
Credit Type
Semester Offered
Fall
Faculty
Taft

 

This 1-credit workshop will address key issues in Andean worldview and philosophy, interculturality, promotion and revitalization of Kichwa Otavalo culture and language, sharing and representing aspects of indigenous culture in a globalized context, and transnational collaboration in cultural promotion. The workshop will draw on the experience and perspectives of the Tandana Foundation and its network of staff and community partners, and will be co-taught by Margarita Fuerez and Segundo Moreta, two Kichwa Otavalo leaders who have been involved in strengthening, sharing, and representing aspects of their culture in various ways, and Anna Taft, Tandana's Founding Director. Class formats will include presentations by the three educators, participatory demonstrations of Kichwa Otavalo practices, question and answer sessions, and class discussions of readings and illustrative videos. Students will come away with a basic understanding of an Andean worldview and its expressions in Kichwa Otavalo practice, as well as familiarity with the complexities of promoting, revitalizing, sharing, and representing aspects of an indigenous culture for various audiences, both local and foreign. The workshop sessions will be held for five evenings over a 10-day period. This course may be counted towards the Analysis & Reflection requirement for the Concentration in Global Studies.