Mayan Civilization and Culture in Yucatan, Mexico

Short-term Study Abroad Program

This is a short-term study abroad program with a strong cultural focus that enables students to be immersed in the history, art, languages and natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula. Geared toward intermediate-advanced students in Spanish, this 16-day course in Mexico involves a journey through time and space, as it will take participants from the present moment in this region of Mexico through the colonial period—and most importantly—to the magnificent and cultural achievements of a succession of peoples in Mesoamerica covering almost 3,000 years of culture, language, and ways of life that continue to thrive today.

Course

SP 424: Mayan Civilization and Culture in Yucatan, Mexico
3 credit spring semester course
Upper level spanish elective

Faculty Leader

Kyle Black, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Spanish
Department of English and World Languages

Tentative Travel Dates

May 15 – May 30, 2019

Location Details

Mérida (population of around 800,000) is a pleasant colonial city in the Yucatán Peninsula and features a safe, tranquil lifestyle with all modern-day conveniences. Its cultural offerings, size and secure character make it a perfect place to study the Spanish language, Mexican and Latin American literature, as well as Pre-Hispanic and modern Mayan culture. Numerous archaeological sites will be visited and others are easily accessible by bus. We will visit various plazas and churches, one of its universities and the grandeur of the colonial/postcolonial mansions that run along Paseo de Montejo, focal points of the city’s history and wealth from henequén (Yucatan sisal) production in the 19th century. This city is also located a half hour by bus from the beach town of Progreso, and about three hours away from the resorts of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Yucatan, Mexico

Yucatán, the Mexican state, is known for its Gulf of Mexico beaches and Mayan ruins. Famed Chichén Itzá encompasses a massive pyramid, ball court and stone temples. Other Mayan sites include Ek Balam, noted for well preserved sculptures, and Uxmal, with its intricate carved facades. Yucatán’s capital and largest city, Mérida, has a Spanish colonial history reflected in buildings such as 16th-century Mérida Cathedral.

Housing

Participants will stay in a hotel in Mérida with some overnight and day trips outside of the city. Mérida is a pleasant colonial city in the Yucatán Peninsula and features a safe, tranquil lifestyle with all modern-day conveniences. Its cultural offerings, size and secure character make it a perfect place to study the Mayan and Mexican culture, and the Spanish language.

Cost

$2,750-$3,000
Course fee covers housing, in country travel, planned activities, and some meals.

Cost of airfare, passport and some meals are not included in the course fee and are the responsibility of the student.

*A minimum of 8 students are required for the course.

Eligibility

Eligibility is based on a minimum GPA of 2.0 (2.5 preferred), sophomore status or above, review of applicants’ behavior record at Saint Mary’s and faculty recommendations. Freshmen majoring in Spanish will be considered if they meet the placement exam level of SP 202.

Prerequisite

Spanish 424 is a 3-credit course that satisfies upper-division elective credits for a major/minor in Spanish, minors in Environmental Sustainability, International Business, Spanish Education, and Elementary Education Spanish Language Endorsement.

Prerequisite: SP 202, or permission from the Program Director.

Application Process

• Students must apply by November 30, 2018.
• Once accepted, students will be enrolled in SP 424 for the spring semester.
• Accepted students will have until 4:00 pm on January 14, 2019 to withdraw from the course. After that date, the course fee is non-refundable even if a student is unable to go.

For more information:

Kyle Black, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Spanish
Department of English and World Languages
Saint Mary’s Hall, Room 209
kblack@smumn.edu
507-457-1536

Tracy Lehnertz, M.A.
Associate Dean International Programs and Director of University Effectiveness
Saint Mary’s Hall, SM103
Campus Box: # 1
tlehnert@smumn.edu
(507) 457-1694