Explore tropical rain forest, Maya ruins and modern villages in NWC travel class

POWELL, Wyo. - Seats are available in a Northwest College anthropology class that will travel to the Yucatan June 1-8 to study the Maya.

Led by J. Gregory Smith, the class will learn about the Maya people of Mexico by exploring the ruins of their ancient cities, visiting modern Maya villages and studying the tropical rainforest environment where they have lived for thousands of years.

In a series of preparatory sessions in May, students will learn about traveling in Mexico, the basic geography of Mexico and the environment of Yucatan. They'll also be introduced to Maya history, hieroglyphic writing, religion, politics and contemporary issues.

The field studies portion of the class is divided into three modules: the tropical rainforest environment, the archaeology of the ancient Maya and the Maya people of today.

Highlights from the travel portion include the archaeological Disneyland of Chichen Itza, Puuc Sites, Maya Riviera and an optional snorkeling trip at Puerto Morelos.

Participants must be healthy enough to explore ruins for several hours in hot humid weather.

The $1,600 cost for the trip includes round-trip airfare, ground transportation, hotels, all meals and entry fees to archaeological sites. Participants are also responsible for NWC tuition and fees, baggage and passport fees, personal purchases, etc.

Degree-seeking students at NWC are eligible to apply for scholarships of at least $250 and more. The class carries three credits, or can be audited.

A $300 nonrefundable deposit must be made by Thursday, April 22.

For more information, e-mail Greg Smith or call 307-754-6131.