NEGOTIATING PARADISE - HISTORY OF TOURISM & EXPAT COMMUNITIES IN MEXICO

NEGOTIATING PARADISE
THE HISTORY OF TOURISM AND EXPAT COMMUNITIES IN MEXICO.

Instructor: Dan Grippo
Course Fee: $350 MXN
Course Dates: Dec 10, 12, 13.
Course Time: M, W, Th, 2:00 -4:30 pm
Course Location: South Campus Board Room
Min/Max Students required: 11/25
Enrollment begins August 20 from 10:00 to 14:00 at de LCS Office
Enrollment ends Dec 03.

Description: This course will provide an understanding and appreciation of the richness and complexity of tourist and expat enclaves in Mexico by examining their roots and development over the past two centuries, from quiet beginnings to the booming multi-national, multi-billion dollar industry they are today. Special attention will be paid to the ambiguities and contradictions of tourism—does it represent national development or foreign exploitation, or a mixture of both?
Tourism in Mexico got off to a shaky start in the 19th century era of Revolts and Railroads. It blossomed in the 20th century in the aftermath of two World Wars, fueled by diplomacy and drugs, beatniks and expats, World Heritage sites, colonial cities, and beachfront paradises. A wide range of sources and voices will be employed to tell the tale of how tourism has been constructed and negotiated by various and competing interests over the course of modern Mexican history.
Along the way, we will touch upon the history of expat communities and tourist meccas such as San Miguel de Allende, Lake Chapala/Ajijic, Cuernavaca, Acapulco, Cancún, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta.
Daniel Grippo, Ph.D., first traveled to Mexico in 1980 and has studied and lived in a variety of Mexican locations. He holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Latin American History as well as an M.A. in Religious Studies. In addition to teaching at various U.S. universities, for the past 10 years Dan’s history lectures at the International Friendship Club in Puerto Vallarta have raised money for charity and attracted large turnouts. Dan recently began offering courses at LCS.


Please Note:
• These programs are limited to LCS members only. Membership must be active to enroll and must remain active for the duration of each class.
• The LCS Office should be notified at least 5 days before the course begins if a cancellation is needed. There is no refund.
• A waiting list will be created for each course where member interest exceeds the maximum enrollment.