SYLLABUS
Exploring Issues & Challenges of Globalization in Belize - (HONR Seminar)
COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES
This three week course is designed to assist students in their efforts to understand the
phenomenon of globalization by providing an “experiential” study of Belize. It pays particular
attention to the interplay among global, economic, political, social and cultural values, natural
resources, policy, and other factors in determining a people’s quality of life. The course is
interactive and multidisciplinary, encourages students to think broadly about development, and
to become aware of how the government, communities and others are trying to solve problems in
the context of global forces and challenges. Through projects, lectures, discussions, trips, and onsite visits, they will gain first-hand experience about what constitutes an optimal quality of life,
and learn to strategize how to meet the challenge of creating sustainable development in a
globalizing world.
The first part of the course will focus on the global economic dimension. Students will
participate in the Trifecta Project to produce local, organic, high quality chocolate and gain
knowledge of the production process and benefits of keeping it close to home. They will also
meet key experts and actors in the tourist sector, learn how Belize is trying to move towards ecotourism as well as visit a natural reserve. The second part of the course focuses on gaining
insights into the society, politics and culture of Belize in a global context through an exploration
of various communities (including Garifuna & Maya villages), organizations, sites, and
interaction with individuals and groups. The projects and activities will be complemented by a
series of classroom exercises and discussions aimed at placing specific issues and disciplines in
the broader context of globalization, and to promote critical thinking and discussion of topics of
broad, cross-disciplinary interest.
REQUIREMENTS
Readings
The course will utilize a variety of relevant articles from diverse perspectives.
Attendance & Active Participation
Students are required to attend and actively participate in all projects, events, and activities
related to the course. They will also be encouraged to develop a short class documentary.
Classroom Activities & Discussion
Students will meet twice a week to:
 Share their insights and experiences with each other through class discussions
 Make connections between activities & readings around a variety of issues
 Engage in multiple exercises at identifying, framing, and solving problems through
various individual and team assignments
Journal
Students will be expected to keep a daily journal and reflect about their experiences,
observations, etc. They will also be encouraged to take photographs.
Final Report
The report should include how students reflect personally and intellectually on their study abroad
experience. What they have learned. How will they use that learning in their own life and in their
chosen discipline? How will they take this experience back to the campus and their community
there? They will also identify and develop a particular issue of interest for further research
Evaluation/Grading
Attendance & Participation
In-class Activities & Discussion
Journal
Final Report
30%
25%
20%
25%
COURSE OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION & COURSE OVERVIEW
 Basic Facts & Overview of Belize: Historical, Social, and Global Context
o Lecture & Discussion led by Local Expert
Making the connections: Exploring the Local Area
PART I: BELIZE & THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC ORDER
 Chocolate Production & Trading in the Global Economy
o Trifecta Project: Student participate in a diverse range of activities related to all
aspects of cocoa production
o Discussions with key actors about natural resource conservation and organic
farming
Classroom Exercises & Discussions: Making the connections
o Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges of Out-sourcing and “Free-Trade”
o World Trading System and Development: Issues of Foreign Debt & poverty

The Tourist Industry as the Backbone of the Economy: Towards Eco-Tourism?
o Explore tourist areas
o Meet and talk with key actors in tourist sectors
o Visit to Eco-tourism site: Natural Reserve
Classroom Exercises & Discussions: Making the connections
o The Local Amidst the Global: “Economic Dependence” & Problems
o Tourism and Development: Challenges of Eco-Tourism
PART II: THE SOCIAL, CULTURAL & POLITICAL: Belize in a Global Context
 Population, Culture & Identity in a “Global World”
o Lecture/Seminar by local expert(s)
 “Regional & Global Dynamics of Population Change”
 “The Cultures of Belize”
o Explore the perspectives of and challenges faced by Maya and Garifuna peoples
 Meet with a non-governmental Maya Organization: (the Tumul K'in
Center of Learning)?
 Visit a Maya community, traditional sites and ruins
 Visit a Garifuna community: (Hopkins Village)?
 Traditional Garifuna Punta dancing and drumming lessons
Classroom Exercises & Discussions: Making the connections
o Consequences of Globalization: Indigenous Struggles and Cultural Rights

Connecting With the Youth: Exploring Similarities & Differences Across “Borders”
o Meet with youth groups & leaders
o Interactive sessions

Challenges of Globalization: Role of Civil Society & NGOS
o Discussions with representatives of community, national & international actors
o Meet with Representatives from USAID, Peace Corps, U.S. Embassy
Classroom Exercises & Discussions: Making the connections
o Globalization and Quality of Life in Belize: Assessments & Conclusions