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Elementary Quechua Language and Culture


Course Description

The fundamentals of conversation, grammar, and pronunciation of the Quechua language (the Cusco-Collao dialect spoken from South Central Peru to Northern Argentina). Exploration of the rich and diverse culture of the Andean highlands through historical and anthropological perspectives.


Athena Title

ELEM QUECHUA I


Non-Traditional Format

The class is conducted in English and Quechua, with the instructional materials also being printed in English and Quechua. Because of the extended contact with Spanish in many regions of the Andean highlands and the high number of borrowed words into Quechua, a knowledge of Spanish is useful but not required for this course.


Semester Course Offered

Not offered on a regular basis.


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: 1. Recognize and understand different features of Andean culture specific to Quechua speaking communities. 2. Recognize basic differences between varieties (i.e., dialects) of Quechua and their geographic distribution. 3. Understand and apply basic rules of pronunciation of the Cusco-Collao variety of Quechua. 4. Understand and apply basic rules of word formation, including noun and verb suffixes. 5. Understand and apply basic rules of sentence formation. 6. Produce and understand basic dialogues in Quechua using a variety of vocabluary.


Topical Outline

HISTORY AND CULTURE TOPICS 1. Language and Culture in the Andes 2. History of Quechua languages and dialectal distribution LANGUAGE TOPICS 1. Spelling conventions 2. Pronunciation of vowel and consonant inventory 3. Basic conversational devices in Quechua--e.g., greetings, leave taking, personal introductions 4. Sentence formation: Subject Object Verb 5. Noun suffixes 6. Numbers 1-20 7. Vocabulary: Family, home life, work, school 8. Negation


General Education Core

CORE IV: World Languages and Global Culture

Syllabus