Mérida, Mexico

Language, History, and Culture Studies in the Yucatan

Program Terms:
- January - March
- January - June
Courses
Living Arrangements
Expenses
Application

Mérida, Mexico is the state capital of the Yucatán, located in southeastern Mexico. The Montejos, the first Spaniards to seriously attempt the conquest of the Yucatán, founded Mérida in 1542. The Spaniards established this capital among the empty buildings of a Mayan classic city called Tiho or Ichcaanziho, renaming it Mérida after a city of Roman ruins in Spain.

Mérida is a beautiful city that displays the richness of the dynamic between the Mayan and Spanish colonial history in the region. As one of the centers of the Mayan people, Mérida sits minutes away from some of the world’s most incredible anthropological sites: Chichén Itzá, a major Mayan city; Tulum, the site where the first Spaniards shipwrecked and encountered the Yucatec Mayans in 1511; and Valladolid, the colonial town where the famous re-conquest of land originated as the Caste War that began in 1847 and established a Mayan free state until the twentieth century.

The city houses a major national university and several important regional museums. The natural beauty of the nearby coastline of the world-renowned beaches, including Cancún and Progreso, accentuates the historical, anthropological and cultural wealth of this region and city.

While in Mérida, students attend classes at the Autonomous University of the Yucatán (UADY). This program is designed to offer an experience that heightens students’ critical understanding of the history and life of Mexicans, particularly as it relates to this region of the country. Immersion into the culture presents the students with an invaluable educational experience, challenging them to consider many aspects of the world they know. Along with class sessions, students will also participate in a number of excursions in and around Mérida to complement their coursework and to familiarize them with the region.

Living and learning in the context of Mexican culture and language, the students can better understand both the problems and possibilities confronting issues related to trade, immigration and development from an international perspective.

Courses

Juan Mora Torres, Professor of History, will be leading the program this year. He will be teaching HST 206: From Olmecs to Independence.

Students earn 16 quarter hours of credit: eight credits in Spanish language, four credits in Anthropology, and four credits with Dr. Mora Torres. The following courses will be offered:

Language Courses (8 credits):

SPN102 - Basic Spanish II

SPN103 - Basic Spanish III

SPN104 - Intermediate Spanish

SPN105 - Intermediate Spanish II

SPN106 - Intermediate Spanish III

SPN201 - Advanced Grammar/Communication I

SPN202 - Advanced Grammar/Communication II

SPN203 - Advanced Conversation I

SPN204 - Advanced Conversation II

SPN205 - Grammar/Composition for the Hispanic I

SPN206 - Grammar/Composition for the Hispanic II

SPN207 - Conversation for the Hispanic

SPN398 - Advanced Spanish Studies

SPN398 - Advanced Spanish Studies II

Required Courses (8 credits):

ANT 390/CSS 201 - Mayan Community and Culture

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the culture and development of the Mayan society. The subject matter will focus on three periods in particular: Pre-Hispanic, Colonial and Modern. A faculty member from Universidad Marista de Mérida will teach this course.

HST 206 - From Olmecs to Independence

The course surveys the history of Mexico from the pre-Columbian era to the first years after Mexican Independence. The course is organized in three parts. The first part of the course will examine the rise, fall and continuities of Mesoamerican civilizations from the Olmecs to the Mexicas (Aztecs). The second part will focus on the Spanish Conquests of Mexico, the transformation of Native American people under spanish rule, and the construction of a multi-ethnic society. he last part surveys the Bourbon era (1700-1810), Mexico's war of national liberation, and the problems associated with nation building in the aftermaths of independence. Among the central themes that will be examined include the Indian "question," race "formation," the conflict between "tradition" and "modernity," the emergence of regionalisms, and the unequal distribution of wealth. For the Merida program, a special emphasis will be placed on Yucatan and the Maya people.

SPRING QUARTER SERVICE INTERNSHIP OPTION

A select number of students have the option of staying in Mérida for the Spring quarter and conducting a service learning internship while continuing their Spanish language study. Coordinated by the Steans Center for Community-based Service Learning and DePaul University’s local program director in Mérida, students will remain in Mexico until June to work in a credit-bearing internship with local community organizations with which DePaul has formed relationships. Participants will augment their internship by taking language courses to strengthen their language skills and enhance their learning during the internship. Students who wish to participate in the Winter/Spring Option must have at least Spanish 104 or demonstrate proficiency above this level before going to Mérida.

Students will, therefore, take a total of 12 DePaul credits during the Spring quarter component. Eight credits (two courses) will be in Spanish language, while the remaining 4 credits will be for the internship. The following courses will be offered during the Spring quarter:

Language Courses (8 credits):

SPN201 Advanced Grammar/Communication I

SPN202 Advanced Grammar/Communication II

SPN203 Advanced Conversation I

SPN204 Advanced Conversation II

SPN205 Grammar/Composition for the Heritage Speaker I

SPN206 Grammar/Composition for the Heritage Speaker II

SPN207 Advanced Conversation for the Heritage Speaker

SPN398 Advanced Spanish Studies I

SPN398 Advanced Spanish Studies II

Required Courses (4 credits):

CSS395 Community Internship: Merida

Circumstances, such as an unexpected event abroad or a curriculum change at a host institution, may require DePaul University to make changes to the program. DePaul University reserves the right to cancel or alter programs and courses without notice.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Students live with Mexican host families from a variety of backgrounds and professions. This allows them to practice Spanish learned in class and to gain a unique insight into Mexican culture and lifestyle. Hosts are carefully screened and most have hosted students for years. The housing coordinator in Mérida arranges placements, based on information students provide about their needs and preferences. The homes are located close to the university. Three meals per day are included in the program fee.

EXPENSES

Winter Program

In addition to DePaul tuition for 16 credits, costs include a specific program fee. For updated information on specific program expenses, click here:

Cost Information

The program fee covers room and board, three meals a day, study abroad health insurance, some books and selected excursions.

Spring Extension

In addition to DePaul tuition for 12 credits, costs include a specific program fee. For updated informtaion on specific program expenses click here:

Cost Information

The program fee covers room and board, three meals a day, and study abroad health insurance.

Students must plan their budgets to cover airfare, passport and visa fees, local transportation, supplies, any additional books and personal expenses.

Program fees are based on actual costs of the prior year and projections for the current year. Inflation and fluctuating exchange rates make it impossible to state a fixed cost. DePaul University reserves the right to adjust program fees without notice.

APPLICATION

To participate in this program, students must have completed at least Spanish 101 or demonstrate proficiency above this level by including proficiency exam results along with the application. To apply to this program, students must submit the following to the Study Abroad Program office:

• A complete DePaul Study Abroad Program application form

• Two (2) academic recommendation forms from faculty familiar with your academic work (one must be from a language instructor).

• An official copy of your transcripts. At DePaul, these may be requested on Campus Connect in the Students section under Request Official Transcripts.

DePaul University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion sex or handicap in admissions, employment or the provision of services. Inquiries regarding this policy should be addressed to the Director of Human Resources, 1 E. Jackson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604.