This short voyage to Mexico highlights Mexico’s stunning creativity and social diversity. Together, we will become more familiar with some of the things we thought we knew about the country, but hadn’t thought much about. Mexico’s contributions in so many areas - food, raw materials, and especially human talent - have affected the entire world. For instance, its silver exports during the colonial period affected currencies as far away as China.

Students interested in Mexican culture and issues will come away with a deeper understanding of how present-day Mexico came to be. Rather than a chronological summation of events and great leaders, emphasis will be placed upon certain themes and trends with respect to economic, social, and cultural development and change. Briefly touching on each period, from the 16th century to the present, this is a summary of “the most interesting things” from a rich, complex history.