Central American Studies 100 gives students the opportunity to examine the socio-political structures and cultural practices of Central Americans, from the pre-Hispanic to the post-war periods.

“In this course, we study the differences and similarities within the Central American nations,” said Professor Alicia Ivonne Estrada.

The course focuses specifically on Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize and Panama.

Through class discussions, students explore Central American cultures by critically examining the different types of societies found in the region.

“This course brings out unknown facts about the conquest (of) the region and about the U.S. intervention,” said Mayensi Hernandez, senior liberal arts major.

Other topics covered are the transformation of literature and art in the region.

Not only does the class discuss the cultural practices in Central Americans’ everyday experiences, but it also addresses Central American societies, giving students the conceptual tools they need to understand contemporary issues and the inhabitants of the region.

This class also provides a closer look into the indigenous cultures of Central America.

“Everyone has the idea that indigenous languages are dialects, which make them secondary,” Estrada said. “But that isn’t so. They are real languages.”

“This course has been a great experience,” said Patty Murray, junior history major. “We’ve learned a lot about the influence the (United States) has on Central America.”