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Koret Fellowships 2017-2018

Maria Munoz Yepez Fellowship 17-18
Maria Munoz Yepez
Psychology major and Urban Education, Ethnic Studies, & Spanish Studies triple minor, Class of 2019

I am excited that the study-abroad program offers courses about community psychology and family psychology to undergraduates that are typically only offered in graduate university programs elsewhere. One of the classes, "Social and Community Psychology," delves into the major figures and theories of both fields and the impact both have had on Argentina. Another course I plan to take is "The Making of Patagonia" because it resembles an Experimental Learning for Social Justice course that explores the history and anthropology of Argentine Patagonia and its inhabitants. The course also connects to my Ethnic Studies minor as it addresses issues such as marginalization, economic development, rights and political representation. Moreover, it includes an immersion trip to Bariloche, an area in Patagonia, where students experience a deeper understanding of the realities of the area and the topics addressed in class, including the power relations that led to the current living situation of indigenous peoples in Patagonia. The class and immersion trip can address one of my goals while abroad, which is to understand how Argentinians engage with the social issues affecting their country at a community level. The knowledge I acquire there can provide me with ideas as to how I can better support the marginalized communities that I interact with in Santa Clara and San Jose.