This course will be taught taking full advantage of the numerous colonial sites in and around Zacatecas. Several field trips will provide a unique experience for students as they will visit actual locations of events which they otherwise would only experience through written or visual sources. This will make the study of history not only an intellectual but also a "hands-on" exercise. Some of the topics to be explored will include pre-Columbian peoples of the region (including a visit to a archaeological site), and the conquest of Mexico. Further topics also include the importance of mining to both the region and the Spanish Empire, the "spiritual conquest" of Mexico and the local establishment of the Catholic Church, the social and cultural life of colonial Zacatecas, and the end of the colonial period leading to the War of Independence.

This course will focus on contemporary issues of Mexico. Beginning with the rise of modern Mexico from the tumultuous Mexican Revolution through the twentieth century, this course will examine issues such as free trade, NAFTA, the democratic process in Mexico, Mexico's role in the "War on Drugs", immigration to the United States, environmental issues, etc. When applicable, the state of Zacatecas will serve as the example for our discussions. Field trips in and around Zacatecas will enhance our understanding of the region and Mexico in general.

Faculty from the Tecnológico de Monterrey, Zacatecas Campus, will be involved as guest lecturers and field trip guides to enhance our understanding of this unique region of Mexico.

This course will be an option for students, instead of one of the above history courses. It will be taught by TEC professors.

In addition to course credits, Lock Haven students can fulfill the following requirements:
External Experience (EE): 2 units
Multicultural (MC): 1 or 2 units
Social Science Seminar