THE OAXACA-PACIFIC RIM INTERDISCIPLINARY PROJECT: CONTACT, CHANGE, AND CONTINUITY IN SOUTHERN MEXICO Course ID: ARCH 330A June 14-July 11, 2020 Academic Credits: 8 Semester Credit Units (Equivalent to 12 Quarter Units) School of Record: Connecticut College FIELD SCHOOL DIRECTORS: Dr. Aaron Sonnenschein, California State University Los Angeles ([email protected]) Dr. Danny Zborover, Consulting Scholar for the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research, American Philosophical Society ([email protected]) Dr. John M.D. Pohl, California State University Los Angeles & UCLA ([email protected]) INTRODUCTION The languages of the world are dying. Of the estimated 7,000 languages spoken in the world today, we estimate that at least half and up to 90% will no longer be spoken by the end of the current century. Along with this loss of linguistic diversity, we are seeing a concomitant loss of cultural diversity and loss of historical knowledge. Among the places where this can most drastically be seen is the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Home to 16 distinct ethnolinguistic groups who speak over 200 language varieties, Oaxaca is the most ethnically complex and biologically diverse state in Mexico. In this field school, students will have opportunities to assist in efforts to stem this loss of cultural and linguistic diversity while also contributing to on-going research on the history of the region. An important aspect of the program is related to language activism and cultural maintenance, working with and learning from community activists in connection with the Oaxacan state Center for the Study and Development for the Indigenous Languages of Oaxaca (CEDELIO) on language and culture related projects with community members in two communities, San Pedro Huamelula and Jalapa de Marques. This year we will return to the coastal region between the Port of Huatulco and The Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which our previous research has identified as a strategic hub from the Formative period and up until the 17th century (see a visual culture-history of Huatulco here). This was a dynamic arena 1 | P a g e where long-term colonial interests were negotiated between indigenous and European powers such as the Zapotecs, Mixtecs, Aztecs, Pochutecs, Chontal, Huaves, Spanish, and even English, Dutch, and French Pirates! The fierce competition over the Pacific Rim first played out on the Coast of Oaxaca, and later climaxed with the Acapulco-Manila Galleon trade that made Mexico a significant player in the first global world system. Up until recently, the key role of these multi-cultural and transnational players in the transformation of southern Mesoamerica and New Spain has gone largely unnoticed, along with the implications for the shaping of contemporary transformations across the continent. We will further continue the interdisciplinary documentation and interpretation of the annual festivity at the Chontal village of San Pedro Huamelula, a ritualized performance that encapsulates and reenacts this rich and millennial heritage along the Pacific Rim. This year we will continue to focus our attention to greater linguistic documentation, working with local activists, students, and teachers on projects intended to use the festivity as a site to strengthen the language and culture. The role of the Pacific Ocean is taking on increasing importance in Pre-Columbian, Colonial, and Contemporary studies of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Recent research in regions as diverse as Mesoamerica, Central America, Ecuador, and the American Southwest are identifying significant forms of mutual social and economic interactions that are entirely changing our understanding of cultural transformations across the Americas. Lustrous turquoise, gold, and exotic shells; colorful dyes and feathers; and delicious cacao beans were extensively produced and exchanged between these cultural areas. Our project focuses on a key region within this vast system— the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca and its Pacific Coast— a rugged geography further shaped by millennia of population movements over land and sea and currently highly at risk for loss of language, culture, and history. By traveling from the bustling Oaxaca City through the valleys, mountains, and down to the Pacific Coast, we will continue with our ongoing explorations of the intricate connections between Oaxaca to Puebla and Central Mexico, and beyond to West Mexico and the American Southwest around 900 and 1600 CE. Rather than study these cultural regions as discrete units, this field program is particularly interested in how linguistic, social, political, economic, and ritual networks operate through space and time. In particular, we will continue to expand our inquiries on the role that indigenous contact and colonialism have played in the Project area formation of the cultural mosaic of Oaxaca, and the evolving relationships with European hegemonies after 1522. This year we continue to expand our understanding of these topics with an exploration of language and cultural loss in the region, along with efforts to maintain languages and cultures. To unravel these research questions, students will be introduced to southern Mexico’s rich mosaic of languages and cultures through introductory excursions and lectures in Oaxaca City and the Valley of Oaxaca. In addition to constructing the necessary geographical, chronological, linguistic, and cultural frameworks for the project, students will learn to evaluate current anthropological hypotheses and debates ranging from Formative-period colonialism to Late Postclassic-Colonial world systems. 2 | P a g e Furthermore, students will investigate how indigenous languages and cultures in this incredibly diverse area share common features with each other and maintain continuity with the past while changing over time and with contact. ACADEMIC CREDIT UNITS & TRANSCRIPTS Credit Units: Attending students will be awarded 8 semester credit units (equivalent to 12 quarter credit units) through our academic partner, Connecticut College. Connecticut College is a private, highly ranked liberal arts institution with a deep commitment to undergraduate education. Students will receive a letter grade for attending this field school (see grading assessment and matrix). This field school provides a minimum of 160 direct instructional hours. Students are encouraged to discuss the transferability of credit units with faculty and registrars at their home institution prior to attending this field school. Transcripts: An official copy of transcripts will be mailed to the permanent address listed by students on their online application. One more transcript may be sent to the student home institution at no cost. Additional transcripts may be ordered at any time through the National Student Clearinghouse: http://bit.ly/2hvurkl. PREREQUISITES The ethnographic and linguistic documentation of the Huamelula indigenous festivity obligates us to protect the rights of our Chontal collaborators. All investigators and students will be covered by an IRB from CSULA and will have to participate in an on-line tutorial. Students must be able to participate in day-long hikes and conduct research in hot weather. If you have any concerns regarding the physical difficulty of the program, please contact the program directors in advance. Although not a prerequisite, knowledge of Spanish is highly desirable, and we recommend learning as much as possible before leaving for Mexico. During the Huamelula festivity, each research team will be accompanied by at least one bilingual translator. There are no other prerequisites for this field school. DISCLAIMER – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Our primary concern is with education. Traveling and conducting field research involve risk. Students interested in participating in IFR programs must weigh whether the potential risk is worth the value of education provided. While risk is inherent in everything we do, we do not take risk lightly. The IFR engages in intensive review of each field school location prior to approval. Once a program is accepted, the IFR reviews each program annually to make sure it complies with all our standards and policies, including student safety. The IFR does not provide trip or travel cancellation insurance. We encourage students to explore such insurance on their own as it may be purchased at affordable prices. Insuremytrip.com or travelguard.com are possible sites where field school participants may explore travel cancellation insurance quotes and policies. If you do purchase such insurance, make sure the policy covers the cost of both airfare and tuition. See this Wall Street Journal article about travel insurance that may help you to decide whether to purchase such insurance. We do our best to follow schedule and activities as outlined in this syllabus. Yet local permitting agencies, political, environmental, personal, or weather conditions may force changes. This syllabus, 3 | P a g e therefore, is only a general commitment. Students should allow flexibility and adaptability as research work is frequently subject to change. Although it is exciting to travel and explore new places, this is neither a vacation nor spring break- it is a serious and demanding university course, with all that is implied. Students are expected to attend all scheduled activities, be punctual and come prepared, take daily notes, complete all the required assignments, and actively participate in discussions. If you are sick or unable to attend lectures or excursions for any