The U.S.-Mexico Border and Borderlands: Experiential Learning on the Ground and in the Field

Catalog description

In an intensive three week study, in the classroom and most of all, on the ground and in the field, we will attempt to achieve a real and realistic understanding of what exactly is the U.S.-Mexico border and the regions along the border on both sides, the borderlands, stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Focus on Mexicans and Mexican descendants on the border, but also on original native peoples and immigrants from elsewhere (Chinese, Haitians, Iraqis). Preference to upperclass students with no prior encounter with the border. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable but not required. Students in this intensive wintersession course will have pre-course assignments in Dec. and must arrive on campus no later than 1/2 at noon, as the course will begin with dinner on 1/2 and class will begin at 9am on 1/3. Students will leave from Pvd to San Diego on 1/6, and depart late on the 16th. Class will be held in Pvd from noon 1/17 to 5pm on 1/18.