The Cities of the River Plate, with trip to Argentina and Uruguay (May 23- June 1, 2009)
Carla Giaudrone (cgiaudro@camden.rutgers.edu)
Latin American Studies, Graduate Liberal Studies

Argentina and Uruguay are united by tradition and a common history. They share similar environments, foods, arts, music, sports, and fashion. Buenos Aires and Montevideo, which proudly make up the River Plate culture, are within a thirty-minute flight or a two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride. Yet each country is identified by distinct characteristics. This trip will focus on these similarities and differences in visits to four cities on the banks of the River Plate: the aforementioned capitals of Argentina and Uruguay, the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento, and the upscale vacation at Uruguay's southern tip, Punta led Este.

The seminar will prepare students for the tour through research on key aspects of the region's history and culture, including literature, architecture, immigration, popular culture (tango and soccer), and national identity. The itinerary includes the political center Plaza de Mayo and the picturesque neighborhood of La Boca in Buenos Aires; a visit to a typical "estancia" (ranch); the National Immigration Museum; the Museum of the Gaucho in Montevideo; and a UNESCO world heritage site, Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. The group will also attend a live tango show. Course requirements include readings, a travel diary, and participation in group travel seminars.

Price $2300-2410; $300 by December 12, balance by February 16.