This summer will be the fifth summer that Dr. Xienema Catepillan, of the Math Department, will be offering a math course in Mexico. The course, Mathematics in Non-European Cultures, is designed for college level students to learn about ancient Mayan History, culture, and mathematics as they travel through the ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula. The instructors for the course are top scholars in the field of Mayan archaeology.

Before the course, a five-day classroom component at Millersville University will survey a variety of mathematical ideas developed by non-European cultures. Students will fly into Cancun, Mexico, and then be bused to Playa Del Carmen May 22, 2010.

On the first day in Mexico, students will attend an orientation meeting and the first course lecture, titled “2012- The End of Time?” On May 23, 2010, students will attend lectures on Mayan history, numbers, and calendars. Students will spend the night in Playa Del Carmen at Hotel Hacienda Caribe, which is located one block from the beach in the downtown area.

Next, students will take a tour through Cobá and Chichen Itza, where they will be lectured on Mayan Astronomy and Geometry from May 24, 2010 until May 25, 2010. While in Chichen Itza, students will get an opportunity to swimming at Cenote Ik’il. In Chichen Itza, students will be lodged at Villas Arqueologicas, a former Club Med facility inside the ruins of Chichen Itza.

Then students will tour the ruins at Ek Balam, where they will be lectured at the “White Reading House” Temple. On May 27, 2010, students will return to Playa Del Carmen for a final lecture and closing ceremonies. Students will check out and be transported back to Cancun for flights back to the USA.

After the course, there will be a final three-hour meeting at Millersville to report on student projects.

The course costs $1100 ($200 extra for single lodging). There is a $200 deposit due upon registration. Course costs include: lodging, breakfasts and two lunches, final dinner, ground transportation, entrance fees, guiding, lectures and course resource packet. The total balance is due 30 days before the course commences.

The cost does not include: Airfare to and from Cancun, travel insurance, two lunches in Playa and one in Valladolid, and dinners. However, the ruins are beautiful, and the course comes with high recommendation.

Proceeds from MEC Tours are the center’s primary source of research funding. As such, a portion of the tour costs are tax deductible. MEC will provide participants with receipts and proper documentation regarding the center’s 501(c)(3) non-profit status for your records.

Students can register for the course at http://www.mayaexploration.com/study_register.php