Merida Field School

Intersession Field School In Mexico

Mexico’s Yucatan was once the home of the Ancient Maya, one of the most important civilizations ever to flourish in the America. Today the region remains a very vibrant meeting place for both Mayan and Mexican cultures. This anthropology field school, conducted during the month of May, takes place in Merida, which is the largest city of the Yucatan. Students will spend three weeks of cultural travel and ethnographic study in the region and receive nine (9) credits for three (3) courses.

Textbook:
Coe, Michael. 1993. The Maya.
(F1435 .C72 1993).

Course Description

ANTH 3413: Language and Culture
Instructor: Jorge Rosado
This three-credit hour course, taught for 1 hour on weekdays at the TTT university College in Merida, Mexico, and on-site during week-ends, is an attempt to familiarize students with the languages and cultures of the Yucatan Peninsula. Reading materials are provided by the instructor and included in the cost of the intersession. Evaluation is based on class participation, site visits and one language test.
Grading: Class participation: 30%; Site visits: 30%; Test: 40%.

ANTH 3061: Ethnography
Instructor: Christiane Paponnet-Cantat
This three-credit hour course, taught in the afternoon, allows students to receive university credits for experiences in small ethnographic projects based on participant observation and interviews.
Grading: Participation: 30%; Team ethnographic project with written, visual and oral presentation: 70%

ANTH 3053: On-Site Latin America
Instructor: Christiane Paponnet-Cantat
This three-credit hour course is taught for 1? hour in the morning on weekdays. It familiarizes students with Maya culture, past and present. The textbook is: Michael Coe, The Maya.
Grading: Diary: 35%, Test: 35%; Attendance: 30%

Field Trips

1. Ancient Maya Sites

• Dzibilchaltun is located 7 kms off the Progreso-Merida highway. It is a noteworthy Pre-Classic site because it was inhabited for the longest period of time by the Maya.
• Uxmal is a Classic site and the best example of the Puuc style in Pre-Colombian architecture. The site was dedicated to the Chaacs, or Rain Gods.
• Chichen Itza is located 130 kms from Merida. Culturally, it is a “Classic and Post-Classic Maya” site with Toltec influence. The site was dedicated to the God Kukulkan.
• Palenque in Chiapas is an imperial city recording the dynasties of four kings, including Pacal one of the most powerful Maya rulers.

How to visit Maya sites:

1. Wear a hat;
2. Take sun block lotion;
3. Carry a bottle of drinking water;
4. Wear comfortable shoes; and
5. Respect the site.

2. Towns and Cities

• Merida was once the colonial capital of the Yucatan Peninsula. Its cathedral was the first of the Americas, constructed between 1561 and 1598. Many of its Franciscan churches and impressive houses, such as the Montejo Home built in 1549, date from the 16th and 17th. Centuries. The mansions of the Paseo de Montejo are a potent symbol of the henequen boom at the end of the 19th. Century. The Museum of Anthropology in Paseo de Montejo offers great exhibits on all aspects of Maya culture.
• Campeche is the oldest city of the Peninsula. It has many historical buildings and a fortification wall, which was part of a colonial defence system.
• Valladodid is a colonial city famous for its Cathedral and the San Bernadino de Siena monastery.
• San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas is situated 2210 meters above sea level and is a cultural meeting place for many Native Americans, including the Chamulas, Choles, Zinacantecos, Lacandones and Tzoziles.

While in Merida, courses will take place at the TTT University College: tttac@prodigy.net.net,mx. Accommodation will be at the Hotel Flamingo: flamingo_hotel@hotmail.com

It is important to remember that proper conduct is expected. While in Mexico, participants are UNB students and not tourists. They are also guests of the host country. Norms and local mores must be respected.

Everyone welcome to apply. Participants must have a valid passport.

For additional information, please contact:

Dr. Christiane Paponnet-Cantat
Department of Anthropology
Phone: (506) 458-7996
Fax: 506-453-5071

Merida Field School Group 2004