J-Term 2010 Mexico: Culture and Prehistory of Central Mexico (ANTH 337)

The Course: Teaching this course on-site in Mexico will give students first-hand exposure to Central Mexican culture, both past and present, and some of its spectacular Pre-Hispanic archaeological sites.  Students will be able to sample a variety of foods and experience the cultural variation reflected by Mexico City, and the states of Morelos and Oaxaca.  Moreover, they will have the opportunity, and be encouraged to speak Spanish (although prior course work or knowledge of the language is not required).  The course curriculum will be structured around lectures and discussions in various modern Mexican venues and the impressive remains of its ancient past.

Course Objectives:

• Gain a real sense of the richness and excitement of Central Mexico's incredible cultural diversity, something most North Americans are completely unaware of.
• Acquire an informed perspective of how the prominent Central Mexican complex societies changed over time.
• Appreciate how modern Mexico is a combination of both its ancient past and its post-conquest hsitory.

Highlights:

• Famous National Museum of Anthropology
• Plaza of Three Cultures and the Zócalo in the heart of Mexico City.
• Several archaeological sites including Aztec Templo Mayor, the gradiose metropolis of Teotihuacan, fortified city of Xochicalco, and Monte Alban
• Plaza de la Constitución and the famous Cathedral de Oaxaca in Oaxaca City
• An Many more noteworthy anthropological sites.

Course Credit: Four credits in Anthropology for ANTH 337 (departmental credit)

Program Fee: $3350.  Fee includes airfare, lodging, program related transportation and entrance fees.  Does not include meals.

Application Deadline: April 17, 2009.  A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required with the application.  A $250 non-refundable program payment to confirm participation in the course is due within 10 days of notification of acceptance.  Maximum 18 students.

Faculty Leader:  Dr. Bradford Andrews: andrewbw@plu.ed    253-535-8389

For further information contact the Wang Center for International Programs at 253-535-7577 or wang.center@plu.edu