Description:

Water is the source of all life on earth and in this respect it is an important ‘commons’. However, climate change, privatization, and poor management are placing the world’s water resources under stress. For the world’s poor the right to access affordable clean water is becoming increasingly difficult. Similarly the health of water ecosystems is being compromised. This course will study the economic, cultural, social, environmental, and political importance of water. Students will be encouraged to critically assess different modes of water governance all the while studying the daily struggles encountered by people, communities, and animals the world over to access scarce water resources.

 International Component:

Students will be traveling to the Maya Riviera to visit a variety of waterways and water related sites (cenotes, UNESCO water reserve, Maya ruins, underground rivers) to learn about the complex ways in which society, culture, environmental preservation, and economy interact. They will study different examples of environmental restoration and social projects aimed at conserving and/or increasing the public’s awareness and appreciation of scarce water resources in the region. Students will use information gathered from these site visits to critically evaluate theories studied in class, as well as applying theoretical concepts they have been introduced to in the classroom to their fieldwork. This integration of environmental theory with the study of real life situations in the region will enhance the student's ability to critically evaluate how social, environmental, economic, cultural, and political forces shape the supply and quality of the world’s water resources.

Tentative Intinerary

Day 1    Rio Secreto*
Day 2    Tuluum and Cenotes
Day 3    Sian Kaan + lunch
Day 4    Lagartos + Ek Balam
Day 5    Free
Day 6    Centro Ecologico Akumal
Day 7    Xel-Ha Park
Day 8    Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
Day 9    Travel home

*Students who are very uncomfortable in enclosed spaces may opt out of participating in some activities on this site visit with approval from Prof. Parr.

Course Information

Course details:

     •  Course number is SOC3009

     •  Meeting day and time are TBD.

     •  Course Attributes: H, I

     •  BoK: DC, SE

     •  Credit hours: 3

     •  Honors Seminar

Cost

The final cost is yet to be determined and is contingent on the cost of airfare.  Please check back soon for updated financial information.

Costs include airfare, accommodations, some meals, some ground transportation, and guides.

Costs do not include passport, tips, some meals and snacks, vaccinations, personal supplies, souvenirs, or ISIC (international student identity card, $25). It is recommended that students bring at least $100 USD with them.

Students are required to purchase an ISIC (International Student Identification Card) from UC International for $25. This is not included in the total expected cost.

Participants can apply for grants from UC International.

Application

Apply for this study tour by clicking here!  Application deadline is February 11, 2013.

Please note: you must be able to swim in order to participate in this course and study tour.

UC undergraduates who are not in the University Honors Program are welcome and encouraged to apply, provided the student has a cumulative university GPA of 3.4 or above. Graduate students are not eligible to enroll. Priority is given to University Honors students, but we are often able to offer spaces to other students as well. A waiting list will be maintained.

Travel Documents

In order to travel outside the United States, you will need to have passport that is valid for at least six months after your return; for this course, that means June 19, 2014.  To find the forms you need to apply for or renew your passport, go to the Passport page on the US State Department's website.  New passports regualrly cost $135 while renewals cost $110.

UC requires that all students have an International Student Identification Card (ISIC).  UC International has information regarding how to obtain an ISIC.  ISICs are $25.

Health

Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's page for Mexico.  Talk to your doctor about which vaccines to get, if any.

Questions

Please contact seminar professor Dr. Adrian Parr or André Durham of the University Honors Program.