This course offers an immersive experience into the vibrant culture of Belize while equipping students with essential contemporary anthropological field methods. You will develop valuable research skills, such as ethnographic interviewing and qualitative data analysis, that are applicable to a range of careers, including applied anthropology and other social or behavioral disciplines.
You'll engage directly with the local culture through hands-on, guided ethnographic fieldwork in Belize. This experiential learning includes participant observation and ethnographic interviews as part of a community-based research project. You'll gain insights into the rich cultural diversity of Belize while learning critical research techniques, including research ethics, unobtrusive observation, participant observation, field note writing, coding, ethnographic and life history interviewing, ethnolinguistic data collection, community mapping, rapid assessment procedures, and qualitative data analysis.
By the end of the course, you'll not only have honed your anthropological skills but also deepened your appreciation for Belizean culture, contributing to both your academic and personal growth.

The ethnographic field school, as part of the CfAA, is partnering with Belizean institutes and associations in order to contribute to an understanding of household economy and agricultural knowledge of sugar cane farmers in Orange Walk District village communities. In addition to conducting community-based research, the students may visit the Banquitas House of Culture, Cuello's Distillery and Ruins, Lamanai Maya Ruins (via boat on the New River), and Altun Ha Archaeological Site.