This course explored the richness of the integration of indigenous and Spanish culture expressed in all of the arts, including architecture, pottery, painted wood carvings, tin work, textiles, community puppet theater,and murals. The remarkable archaeological ruins and extraordinarily rich folkore of this region helped deepen our understanding of and appreciation for Oaxaca.  Participants in this course  immersed themselves in the life of the community of Oaxaca in order to enhance their comprehension of the peoples' struggle for dignity, justice and democracy.

We explored the culture and popular arts of the area, developed a number of approaches to
teaching about Mexico. The course  included visits to museums and archaeological sites, informal
talks with artist and educators, and a home stay with families in the community.

Instructors
Gustavo Teran is Research Assistant Professor with the John Dewy Project on Progressive Education at the University of Vermont. Gustavo is a native Spanish speaker of Mexican descent who has worked and traveled extensively throughout Latin America.

David Conrad  recently retired from his position as Professor of Educational Foundations and co-directs the Center for World Education at the University of Vermont. Conrad has taught about Mexican and Chicano/a muralists and popular art. He has traveled to Peru and Bolivia and is especially interested in global and multuicultural education.

Gustavo Esteva - Consultant, Oaxacan Campesinos
 

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