Peruvian History and Culture: Millennia of Civilization and A Changing Future Ahead
Studying abroad is like forming a new friendship: you start out somewhat, if not completely, a stranger. It takes a bit of time to grow familiar with the place but eventually, you begin to know the people and environment there on a deeper level and appreciate even the smallest experiences you share together. The bond you form with a place abroad is one that you will never forget and one that you will cherish long after you return home.
That special connection comes from the newness of venturing outside of the world you grew up in. So many people have experiences and viewpoints that are so different from your own. Studying abroad challenges you to take in the perspectives of people from a different country and incorporate this new knowledge into your interpretation of the world.
A critical part of achieving this level of understanding stems from understanding the history and culture of a place. As students in a global society, we have the opportunity to learn about the deeper aspects of another nation without leaving our own home countries. We are fortunate to maintain connections with other people across the world through the internet.
This upcoming semester, EdOdyssey can bring you a special opportunity to explore the foundational aspects of a different country from people who live there. Beyond taking courses at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), one of Peru’s top universities, you can connect with your classmates through meaningful discussions and engage with guest speakers online!
PERU: A LAND OF COMPLEX HISTORY AND CULTURE
For millennia, the land that is now modern Peru has been the center of ancient civilizations. The impact that the ancient Peruvians left is so great that archaeologists are not only learning about the history of the region from their ruins and artifacts, but also about human history as a whole. Remnants of complex structures on the high mountain ridge continue to tell the tales of the country’s epic history today.
Peru is home to the famous Machu Picchu, a 15th century Incan fortress that stands as an iconic United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. While the site dates to the time of the infamous conquest of the New World, Machu Picchu was actually spared from destruction because the conquistadors never found it after they invaded the nearby Incan capital of Cuzco.
While Machu Picchu stands as a monument of an untouched Peru, other places in the country faced decades and even centuries of conflict. In addition to exploring the history of the ancient civilizations of the Andes and the historic impact that the Age of Exploration had on the place, the course will also examine how different factors such as cultural traditions, racial and gender identity, representation in art and literature, and global relations have shaped the development of modern Peru.
NOT JUST ANY CLASS
Peruvian History and Culture may sound like a class you could enroll in at your home institution, but taking the course through a program in the actual country brings a deeper perspective and relevancy to the topic. Furthermore, the instructors from PUCP are experts in their fields who live and breathe the Peruvian experiences themselves. They teach from what they study and observe in Peru firsthand.
Out of the many courses you take in your college career, Peruvian and History and Culture is sure to be a unique one for your transcript! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn outside of class as well: we will be offering weekly modules exploring more of Peru’s history and culture!