OSEA Ethnography Field School

Opportunity Description:

Participants learn how to conduct specific types of ethnographic research projects focused on specific topics and issues defined in the context of ongoing research. Participants select their areas of interest and focus, then design specific projects accordingly. The core seminar provides historical and ethnographic contexts on the research issues and problems that are investigated. The ethnographic field methods and practicum course is a series of workshops in which participants are trained in the methods and then conduct their own research. There is a student conference in which the participants present their research achievements and results.

The program begins with intensive language training and a core seminar on heritage that provides participants the linguistic skills and conceptual tools to conduct fieldwork in Maya communities on heritage issues.  Heritage is conceived as an inclusive domain that includes social processes and problems involving archaeological heritage development, tourism, sustainability, community participation and control of development, state policy and strategies of tourism, intangible cultural heritage such as handicrafts production and art markets, Maya medicine and systems of health and healing, urbanism and environmental heritage. 

Home-stays provide linguistic and cultural immersion; options for lodging and food in family-run posadas are available at an additional cost.  Families are carefully selected based on the Program Director’s 24 years of experience in the community of Pisté.  Participants are required to purchase a hammock for sleeping in homestays; a special hammock shopping trip to a nearby town is organized during the first days of the program.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

Program is open to: undergraduate majors and graduate students in any social science, art, culture, communications, and applied research fields; persons who have completed a BA, MA, or other higher degree but are not currently enrolled in a degree program

Minimum GPA: 2.2

No prior coursework or knowledge in Maya language is necessary
Minimum Spanish Language Requirement is Advanced Novice proficiency in Speaking and Listening as defined by the ACTFL criteria

Application Process: 

Please see the opportunity website for details on how to enroll in the field school programs.