An
ACS Environmental Citizenship Field Experience, Exploring Cultural
and Resource Issues from the Height of the Classic Maya Civilization
through Current Trends in Tourism and Commercial Development.
 Thank you for your interest in the Living in Yucatan (LIY) course
offered by Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. LIY is an eight
credit hour course
that focuses on the life in the Yucatan from a number of perspectives.
Although the course is informally divided into three modules
1) Mayan archaeology and history, 2) tropical forest ecology
and cultural anthropology, and 3) coastal ecology and geology,
themes are not restricted to one module and are fully integrated
throughout the course.
 LIY
is a fabulous learning experience that has served as a gateway course for many students
whom go on to conduct research in archaeology, anthropology, biology,
ecology, geology etc., but to many others it is the experience of
a lifetime.
During the first week students traverse the peninsula visiting 6 of the
7 ruins on the schedule to gain insight on the archaeology, history,
and culture of the Maya. One excursion features a language lesson
from Mayan school children in the town of Villadolid. Students also experience
several natural wonders such as cenotes, Rio Largatos, and the Las
Coloradas Salt Ponds.
The second week focuses on forest ecology and local modern Maya
culture. Students visit the Helen Moyers Biocultural Reserve (Rancho
Kiuic) and several small villages in the center of the peninsula's
tropical deciduous forest. At the reserve you will visit the archaeological
excavation and conduct botanical research.
 The final week is spent on the coast south of Cancun in quaint
fishing villages examining the coral reefs and the impact of development
on them, and the ecology and culture of Quintana Roo. We also visit
Cozumel Island to learn firsthand about the natural restrictions
to growth and development of the tourist resort. The theme of environmental
citizenship is woven into the fabric of the course from day one.
The cost for the program will include tuition, all lodging, ground
transportation, entrance and snorkeling fees, and approximately
50% of your meals. The
course size is set at 12 students and is now open to any students across the country
on a first come basis.
For for contact information and application, please visit Millsaps Living in Yucatan Website.
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