LIB448
UNESCO World Heritage Cities of Latin America
Latin America's UNESCO World Heritage cities blend Indigenous, colonial and contemporary influences, showcasing diverse heritage and architectural wonders. Join us on a virtual journey through Mexico, Central America and South America, from Mexico City to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, from Cartagena on the Caribbean coast to Cusco in the Andes mountains. Along the way, we'll uncover the stories behind their UNESCO World Heritage status. This multi-image photographic and musical journey takes us through Pre-Columbian vestiges, colonial cobblestone streets, bustling markets and breathtaking landmarks.
A $50 discount will be applied automatically for adults 55+.
Overview
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced with weekly virtual class
Duration: 6 weeks
Tuition: $180
Can be applied to:
Liberal Arts for 55+ Certificate
Upcoming Offerings
- Tue, May 7, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Tue, May 14, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Tue, May 21, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Tue, May 28, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Tue, Jun 4, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Tue, Jun 11, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
Course outline
- Weeks 1-3: World Heritage Cities of Mexico and Central America
We begin in Mexico City, a city featuring three UNESCO World Heritage sites where ancient Aztec ruins coexist with colonial-era landmarks and modern architecture. We then embark on a journey through Mexico’s plethora of World Heritage cities, such as the historic centres of Puebla, Morelia, Zacatecas, Querétaro and Guanajuato and adjacent mines. Marvel at the well-preserved colonial architecture and Indigenous traditions in cities like Oaxaca, Tlacotalpan, or Guatemala’s Antigua, a city famous for its legendary syncretic Easter celebrations. - Weeks 4-6: World Heritage Cities of South America
South America’s World Heritage cities stand as testament to the enduring legacies of ancient civilizations, colonial conquests and modern-day architecture. We start in Cartagena and Santa Cruz de Mompox in Colombia, situated on the Caribbean coast. We then embark on a tour of Quito and Cuenca in Ecuador, then Lima, Arequipa and Cusco in Peru. Further south, we discover the city of Sucre, a colonial gem, and the nearby silver-mining town of Potosí in Bolivia. We then head to Chile to visit the historic port of Valparaiso and the company mining town of Sewell. We explore Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay and the rich colonial past and Afro-Brazilian heritage of Salvador de Bahia. We conclude with the modern architecture of Brasilia, Brazil’s capital and a landmark in the history of town planning.
What you will learn
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
- Appreciate the diverse heritage of the region and the cultural and architectural influences on its cities
- Identify the similarities and differences among several UNESCO World Heritage cities throughout Latin America
- Understand the compelling features and value that lead to UNESCO World Heritage status
- Gain useful insights for visitors to these cities
How you will learn
- Participation in written discussions with other students
- Participation in Zoom seminars
- Reflective essay (applicable only to certificate students)
Learning Materials
No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.
Technical Requirements
For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.