 Millsaps College (and its non-profit organization Kaxil Kiuic—www.kiuic.org) supports and
operates a 4000 acre tropical forest biocultural reserve in the heart of the Yucatan peninsula. The
Helen Moyers Biocultural Reserve with its incredible biological and archaeological resources
serves as a center for our Living In Yucatan Program, which offers courses in the study of
archaeology, business, ecology, education, geology, history, literature, and socio-cultural
anthropology. Courses alternate by year so check the guide for the 2006-07 offerings. Students
may return to Yucatan to take additional courses and may decide to participate in the ongoing
archaeological and natural science research going on at the Reserve.
The Southern Campus consists of an off-the-grid Research and Learning Center located within
the Reserve, a laboratory and research facility in the nearby Maya town of Oxkutzcab and the
new Center for Business and Culture, a dormitory-classroom facility in Merida developed by the
Else School of Management. While at Millsaps College take advantage of our Southern Campus
by taking a course in the Living in Yucatan Program and/or doing research or an internship in a
wide variety of fields at one of our facilities. Contact George Bey (beygj@millsaps.edu) if you
have any questions.
Courses for 2006
Culture, History and Literature in the Maya World
STDA 2028
 Study literature, history, cultural anthropology and archaeology while being immersed in the
unique culture of Yucatan. Travel among the peninsula’s most important archaeological,
geographical and historical sites, and consider the development of the Yucatan world from ancient Maya or pre-Columbian times into the 21st century. While experiencing Yucatan in its
local, Mesoamerican, trans-Atlantic and global contexts, we will sample key historical,
anthropological, and literary texts. We will produce our own texts (whether creative, ethnographic, historical or literary-critical) from the travel journals and field notes we produce
along the way.
- May 24—June 7, 2006
- $3495 plus airfare and personal expenses
- 4 credit hours
- Dr. Eric Griffin (griffej2@millsaps.edu)
Who can take this course?
- Students majoring in (or considering a major in) English, History, Sociology- Anthropology, or related fields.
- Students interested in studying culture, history, and social issues outside the U.S.
- Students wanting additional credit hours in their majors, elective credit; core equivalency may be petitioned.
<top>
Ways of Reading Yucatan!
An Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Ed 3830
 Walk through this open door to the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, to the streets of Spanish
colonial cities, the roads of Maya villages, and the steps of Chichen Itza, Coba and Ek Balam.
Ethnographic field work will allow you to immerse yourself in another culture, seeing it from
the inside—interact with children in schools, sleep in hammocks and eat in Maya homes, and
swim in an ancient cenote (clear limestone river). Experience first hand vital cultural and social
issues as you explore the richness of multiple perspectives and literacies in this unique
environment. Learn to write about your experiences, whether you have an interest in creative,
journalistic, or naturalistic writing.
Who can take this course?
- Anyone planning to teach.
- Anyone wanting extra credits in his or her
major.
- Anyone wanting to study culture, education and
social issues in Yucatan, Mexico.
<top>
Courses for 2007
Searching for the Golden Mean
Data Analysis of Ancient Maya Ruins
Math 1750
 Do you like solving puzzles and looking for patterns? Do you want to explore Maya sites and
learn more about ancient Maya culture? Would you enjoy traveling in Mexico? Do you want to
do all of this and get 4 semester hours of credit?
The only prerequisites for this course are a creative mind, an adventurous spirit, and an attention
to detail. The trip will include visits to several Maya sites as we measure, model, and
mathematically analyze ancient Maya ruins. At the ruins we will be looking for patterns by
measuring and exploring the mathematics involved in these sites. As much as possible, we will
diagram these sites including as much mathematical detail as we can gather.
- May 2007
- Approximately $2500 plus airfare, some meals, insurance, and personal expenses
- 4 credit hours
- Dr. Connie Campbell (campbcm@millsaps.edu)
<top>
Maya World Field Studies
STDA 2030
 Explore the cultural and resource issues in Yucatan from the height of the classic Maya
civilization through current trends in tourism and commercial development. Archaeology,
geology, and ecology of the Yucatan will be integrated with the economic and cultural issues
of the region in our studies.
-
Students will be introduced to the scientific method of investigation through participation
in ongoing research.
-
Issues that relate to the impact of natural systems during the rise and eventual collapse of
the Classic Maya civilization will be intertwined with current issues.
-
The environmental exploitation and the impact of modern commercial development will
be investigated.
-
May 23—June 10, 2007
-
Cost TBA
-
4 credit hours
-
-
<top>
Millsaps study
abroad
|
