Field Study Course (6 credits)

DESCRIPTION: The Maya Summer Institute offers an intensive language learning environment combined with a field-based, experiential program to provide students with a solid linguistic and cultural foundation. Students in each of the three levels (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) participate in meaningful engagement with Yucatec Maya communities through a combination of classroom activities and field excursions that take them to a broad range of important historic and cultural locations. Throughout the six weeks, Maya scholars lead multiple trips to archeological, colonial, and contemporary Maya cities and villages in order to introduce students to the cultural importance of each site.

SITES: Mérida, the beautiful capital of the state of Yucatán, offers both modern and historic aspects of city life. Valladolid is home to an innovative Maya culture and language program that promotes intercultural learning and trains a new generation of Maya-speaking students. Xocen, situated 12 kilometers southeast of Valladolid, is located in the milpa area of the Mexican state of Yucatán. It is an ancient town that played a key role in the Caste War, a 50-year revolt of native Maya people against the political and economic forces controlling the region.