Visual Culture and Resistance in Mexico
Oaxaca City, Mexico
Why you should go
This Global Seminar begins in Oaxaca City, Mexico, a hub of Indigenous political expression and creativity, where colorful markets, street art, and community festivals provide a lively backdrop to study challenges of the contemporary moment, such as political dysfunction, migration, and climate instability. Students will engage with communities and artists producing grassroots media, visual art, film, and textiles that are part of broader struggles for justice. The final week of the program is in Mexico City and expands the view to a national context, from historic murals to contemporary cinema. Together, these settings offer a chance to study visual culture not only in the classroom but in the streets and with communities that produce it. In the process you will forge meaningful and reciprocal relationships with people in the communities that host us.
Courses
Faculty Leader
Alexander Fattalafattal@ucsd.edu
Alex Fattal is Associate Professor in the Department of Communication. He is a scholar of contemporary Latin America and a documentary filmmaker. He earned his PhD in 2014 from Harvard University, where he was also a postdoctoral fellow. Fattal’s research examines the politics of film and photography, questions of censorship and propaganda — most often in the context of Colombia’s armed conflict. Fattal has published two award-winning books and directed two documentary films, one of which, Limbo, was recorded entirely in the back of a truck that he transformed into a giant camera obscura. He is a founding member of the AjA Project, a City Heights-based non-profit that teaches photography and visual storytelling to immigrants, refugees, the transfronterizo community, and incarcerated youth. His current research is about still photography and the cultural Cold War in late twentieth century Latin America. In addition to his scholarly work, he has written shorter pieces for the New York Times, Atlantic, Foreign Policy, and Newsweek.
Who should go
This Global Seminar is of particular interest to any student interested in Visual Art, Communication, Latin American Studies, Anthropology, and Sociology, but also to students across the Humanities and Social Sciences as well as students who are culturally curious and visual learners. Students in Eighth College are particularly encouraged to apply as COMM 140GS is likely to be a GE elective and COMM 1xxGS dovetails with the CCE curriculum. Students from any college are welcome. Consult your college academic advisor to determine how the courses will apply to your graduation requirements.
Information Sessions
- General (choose one):
- Tue, Sept. 30th, 3-4 pm (zoom)
- Tue, Oct. 28th, 3:30-4 pm (in-person)
- Program: Thursday, October 16th, 12:30 - 1:30 PM
- Register here for the live Zoom link, and/or to get the post-session recording.
Dates
| Departure from U.S.: | Sat., June 27, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Arrival: | Sun., June 28, 2026 |
| Mandatory Orientation: | Mon., June 29, 2026 |
| First Day of Class: | Mon., June 29, 2026 |
| Last Day of Class: | Fri., July 31, 2026 |
| Departure for the U.S. (or personal travel): |
Sat., August 1, 2026 |
Flight Information
- You will be responsible for purchasing your own airplane tickets, and your program coordinator will provide guidelines and resources during the pre-departure process to help you find an appropriate flight.
- Do not purchase plane tickets until the program is confirmed. All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail when the program has reached minimum enrollment.
Global Seminar Fees
All fees subject to change. See https://summersession.ucsd.edu/tuition/tuition.html for current tuition and campus-based fees.
| UCSD | Other UC | Non-UC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Cost: (includes $500 administrative fee) |
TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Estimated Tuition and Campus-Based Fees: |
$2,520.49 | $2,570.49 | $3,580.49 |
| Total: (not including airfare or personal expenses) |
TBD | TBD | TBD |
Calculate the Full Cost
- Calculator coming soon!
Funding Options
See the funding options page to learn how financial aid and scholarships can help you pay for this program.
Oaxaca City
- Universidad de la Tierra
- Monte Albán
- La Clinica
- CineClub El Pochote
- Oaxaca Textile Museum with guide
Mexico City (final week)
- Museo Universitario Arte Contemporaneo
- Zocalo and Templo Mayor
- Cineteca Nacional
Housing
- Homestay in Oaxaca (4 weeks)
- Mostly singles with occasional shared rooms
- All meals provided
- Bathrooms shared with family.
- Wifi available.
- Not all host families speak English
- Hotel in Mexico City (final week)
- 2 students per room
- Wifi, ensuite bathroom, no kitchen
Housing arrangements are subject to change based on local circumstances without prior notice. No price adjustments are possible.
Included Meals
- Welcome dinner upon arrival
- Farewell dinner at end of program
- Homestay families will provide daily breakfast & dinner.
Classroom and Computer Access
- Classroom space at a conference center a ten-minute walk from the student accommodation
- There is no computer lab available - plan to bring a laptop.
Wireless access may be intermittent due to local conditions. No refunds or price adjustments are possible.
Transportation
- Transportation by private bus to and from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the student housing is included in the program. Two different pick-up times will be arranged based on the most common flight arrival times.
- A local transit pass pass for Berlin zones A and B will be provided for each student.
Phones
- Information about how to obtain a local SIM card will be provided at the pre-departure orientation.
- Students will be responsible to purchase their own calling time/minutes.
Insurance, Health, and Safety
- Comprehensive insurance package with CareMed
- An in-depth orientation will be given on the morning after arrival, including health and safety procedures.
- Program partner staff will be available by telephone after hours.
- All students will be registered for UC travel insurance This is free coverage, but registration is required prior to departure.
