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Course Overview

New Mexico truly is the "Land of Enchantment,” and its history reflects a unique cultural mosaic, incorporating Native American, Iberian, and Anglo-American influences, each of which have shaped its humanized landscape over millennia. The class will consist of lectures, discussions, power point presentations, and visits to a number of field sites that exemplify historical events and concepts that are unique to New Mexico and in many ways still resonate today. This is a theme-based class and topics are varied and include race and ethnicity, including the intriguing Genízaros community. The class will delve into Spanish and indigenous culture, and Mexican and Spanish land grants. Religion has played an enormous role in New Mexico and so the class will consider indigenous syncretic religion, the legacy of the Franciscans, the mysterious Blue Nun, and the penitents whose influences dot the rural landscape to this very day in the form of church architecture. Padre Martinez holds a sacred place in New Mexico's past, and his story will captivate the participants. We will also learn about the unique and antiquated Spanish that is still spoken in parts of Northern New Mexico to this very day. Surprisingly, even the Peace Corps has an interesting legacy in New Mexico, and why they were here during the 1960s will surprise many. We’ll discuss historical context and tentatively visit the following locations: The San Antonito Church and former Land Grant region in the East Mountains, Golden NM, Coronado St. Monument, Tijeras Pueblo archeological site, The Petroglyphs, The Albuquerque Museum, The Maxwell Museum and The Hubbell House.
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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

Type
In-Person
Days
T
Time
10:00AM to 12:00PM
Dates
Mar 23, 2027 to Apr 13, 2027
Schedule
View Details
Contact Hours
8.0
Location
Delivery Options
In-Person  
Course Fee(s)
fee non-credit $59.00 Click here to get more information
Drop Request Deadline
Mar 20, 2027
Transfer Request Deadline
Mar 20, 2027
Instructor(s)

Section Notes

Explore the fascinating history of New Mexico and the diverse cultures that have shaped the Land of Enchantment. Through lectures and discussion, this classroom-based course examines Native American, Iberian, Mexican, and Anglo-American influences on the state’s history. Topics include race and ethnicity, the Genízaros community, Spanish and Indigenous cultures, Mexican land grants, religion and syncretic beliefs, the Franciscans, and the legacy of Padre Martinez. The course offers an opportunity to consider how these histories intersected, evolved, and continue to influence New Mexico’s cultural identity today.

This is a classroom-based experience.

Type
In-Person
Days
T
Time
10:00AM to 12:00PM
Dates
Apr 20, 2027 to May 18, 2027
Schedule
View Details
Contact Hours
10.0
Location
  • Offsite
Delivery Options
In-Person  
Course Fee(s)
fee non-credit $69.00 Click here to get more information
Drop Request Deadline
Apr 17, 2027
Transfer Request Deadline
Apr 17, 2027
Instructor(s)

Section Notes

New Mexico’s rich history reflects the enduring influence of Native American, Iberian, Mexican, and Anglo-American cultures. We'll explore the state’s complex cultural mosaic through tours, discussion, and field visits to historic sites in Albuquerque and Central New Mexico. Field experiences will connect historical events and concepts to the places where they unfolded. Please note: Offsite locations may have limited accessibility.

Tuition covers only instructional time. Students will be accountable for their own transportation including parking/entrance fees (if applicable). 

Please note: Class sessions will be held at offsite locations to be announced. Please note due to the historical nature of some offsite locations, there may be limited handicap accessibility.

Schedule

Classes will be held at various off-site locations from 10am – 12:00pm (estimated end time)

 

 

Additional Information

A current OLLI Membership is required to register for this course, please click here to add to your cart. Please purchase one membership per account.

This class is eligible for UNM Tuition Remission under Personal Enrichment.

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