Mexico major (MAJ08926)

Mexico is a large, rapidly developing country with a fascinating history and tremendous regional variety of geography and culture. Pre-colonial civilisations, conquest, Spanish settlement and popular revolution have all left a big mark on contemporary society. Indian and mestizo populations retain strong native traditions. Mexico has outstanding architecture, art and design, cuisine and popular music. Being located between the United States and Latin America also gives the country special characteristics and helps to shape national consciousness. The migration of Mexican workers, the establishment of border industries, and the NAFTA trade agreement offer Mexico unique opportunities to integrate with the world's largest economy. The country has recently made an historic transition to genuine multi-party democracy.

Subjects to be undertaken in this major may be found under MAJ08926 in the Study Package Directory of this handbook.

Students spend two consecutive semesters studying social science or culture and humanities subjects at an institution of higher education in Mexico through arrangements made by the Institute. The focus of study varies in each semester depending on individual student preferences and the availability of subjects at host institutions. Students are assessed on each semester separately and assessment is based on the subjects undertaken at the host institutions, as well as project work administered by the Institute for International Studies.

Students may expect that no greater costs will be incurred through undertaking a period of In-country Study in Mexico than are involved in living away from home in Sydney.

Locations

Xalapa, Veracruz

Xalapa (pop. 400,000) is a small city which has conserved much of the charm and character of provincial Mexico. It is nestled in green misty hills and has many squares and gardens. The city and surrounding pueblos remain unspoilt by tourism yet are fascinating places to visit for anyone interested in archaeology, Mexican history, the arts and indigenous cultures. Xalapa is also within easy reach of Mexico City by a good road. Xalapa is the administrative capital of the state of Veracruz, and most industry and commerce is located 130 km east around the historic port of Veracruz. Between Veracruz and Xalapa lie sub-tropical lowlands where fruits, herbs, chillies and flowers are grown. Coffee is the main crop in the hills. All these local products are sold in Xalapa's traditional marketplaces. Xalapa is known for its exceptionally active and varied cultural life.

The Universidad Veracruzana was founded in 1944 and has approximately 60,000 students. There are over 30 undergraduate degree courses in the faculties of Medicine, Business and Economics, Art, Humanities, Veterinary and Agricultural Science, and Engineering. The anthropology and history faculties specialise in the study of provincial history and indigenous languages. Several faculties are dispersed around the city. The main campus is located below the city centre in pleasant parkland with lakes and an historic sports stadium built in the Grecian style in the 1920s. The University's school for foreign students (EEE) provides educational programs exclusively for foreign students.

Monterrey, Nuevo León

Called the City of the Mountains, Monterrey is the capital of the state of Nuevo León, which is situated in the north-east corner of the country and borders on Texas. Monterrey rests in a valley surrounded by the jagged Sierra Madre mountain range. The downtown area features magnificent plazas and gardens. Even with its large population – five million – Monterrey is one of the safest cities in Mexico. Monterrey's population is considered the most educated in Mexico and the city on a per capita basis has more colleges, universities and institutes of technology than any other Mexican city. Quality restaurants, modern shopping malls, numerous museums and cultural attractions abound here. Some of Mexico's best hiking, mountain biking, cave exploring and nature areas are located within fairly close proximity to the city.

Founded in 1947, El Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITSEM), commonly known as 'El Tec', is regarded as Mexico's most modern and technologically advanced university. Regular classes may be attended in the following study areas: agriculture, behavioral science, engineering, communications, computer science, economics, humanities, law, international business, and natural resources.

Guadalajara, Jalisco

Guadalajara, Mexico's pearl of the west, is incredibly diverse and stately with amazing qualities, both modern and historic, that embrace all who visit. It is considered the most Mexican of Mexico's big cities. As the second largest city in Mexico, you are constantly reminded that Guadalajara is a busy metropolis, and a major Mexican business centre. Although this city moves at a busy pace, things here have a way of seeming to always remain serene. Guadalajara is a city of monuments, parks and flowers, fountains and tree-lined avenues, whose history dates to the 16th century. The Guadalajara area is known as the birthplace of the world famous Mariachi bands, the home of the Mexican hat dance and Tequila. Guadalajara's month-long October Festival attracts visitors from all over the world and performers from all over Mexico for a wide variety of music, cultural and artistic events and crafts exhibits.

Presently, the faculty subjects offered to UTS students at the Universidad de Guadalajara are within the Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences (Centro Universitario de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades (CUCSH) – www.cucsh.udg.mx). CUCSH is sub-divided into Cultural Studies, Studies in State and Society, Political and Social Studies, History and Humanities, and Juridical Studies. Students can thus take classes in law, literature, philosophy, psychology, sociology, geography, journalism and so forth. Students who wish to do In-country Study at the Universidad de Guadalajara must have Level 6 Spanish competence. Spanish language classes at Universidad de Guadalajara are conducted by an autonomous entity, CEPE (Centro de Estudios Para Extranjeros).