Spanish in Mexico

Director

José Cerna-Bazán, Associate Professor of Spanish

José Cerna-Bazán focuses his research on contemporary Spanish American literature. Among the topics he covers in his courses are the representation of indigenous populations in literature and culture, and the relationship between literary experimentation, popular culture, and multicultural contexts. He directed the Spanish seminar in Morelia, winter 2003 and in Puebla, winter 2004 and 2008.

Overview

Students will take classes at the Universidad de las Americas (UDLA), in Cholula, a city immediately adjacent to Puebla, the major city of the area. Cholula is the oldest city on the American continent, surrounded by the Popocatepetl and Ixtlaccihuatle volcanoes. In this city stands the great Pyramid of Chlula, considered to be the largest in volume in the world. A fantastic display of arts and crafts, ethnic music and food is part of the daily life of the various communities in the Cholula region. Puebla de los Angeles is situated in the center of Mexico. Its central location places Puebla only 70 miles (122 km) away from Mexico City, 165 miles (267 km) from Veracruz, and 198 miles (320 km) from Oaxaca. In addition to its traditional architecture and atmosphere, the city has a first-rate tourist infrastructure and is also a leader in commercial and educational facilities.