SPAN 355: Yucatan: The Mayan Junction in Mexico

Course Description

This is a 5-week interdisciplinary course that will focus on the rich and complex cultural identity of the Yucatan Peninsula, due to its distinctive geoposition and its blend of traditions from Maya civilizations and those brought by Spanish and other European cultures. This course will explore how this cultural amalgam continues to shape political challenges and the societal landscape in the 21st century. This course is taught in-situ, the city of Mérida, and seeks to engage students in the interpretation of key landmarks as well as primary texts, cultural and historical artifacts, including cuisine, literary works, essays, news reports, films and art. (S, OC).