BELIZE INFORMATION
POLI 355: Politics and Culture in Belize
SUMMER 2025
The Belize program is a 3-credit course offered during summer 2025 by Drs. Bosworth and Rothermel. The program is highlighted by a two-week travel experience in Belize—a small, English-speaking country in Central America.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the course is to study the politics, economy, and culture of Belize, in part by seeing the country and meeting its friendly and diverse people. While we take an expansive approach to studying the country as a whole, we focus on four key ideas: 1) the political system; 2) the role of globalization; 3) the emphasis on eco-tourism (sustainable economic development); and 4) the multi-ethnic, multi-racial society. We guide students to interesting and beautiful locations and provide connections to business leaders, politicians, academics, community leaders, and other Belizeans for lectures and interviews. We help students make observations and conduct meaningful interviews (this is “field research”) and enhance critical thinking and analysis by posing thoughtful questions and providing varied readings. Some of the academic work is completed prior to departure (independent readings, assignments, and online Zoom discussion). We continue to read and learn while in Belize and students also complete a paper synthesizing assigned readings, observations, and interviews upon returning home.
During the trip, we will meet with government officials, business owners, non-profit groups, Belizean academics and many others. We will also visit some of the key tourist sites in Belize, such as Mayan temples, the rainforest, caves, and the world’s second largest barrier reef. Students will have some free time to select some of their own activities. Students will experience first-hand the adventure-travel and eco-tourism that powerfully impact the politics and economics of this small country.
Although both Dr. Bosworth and Dr. Rothermel are political science professors, this is a course aimed at
all adventurous and curious students. The academic work is inter-disciplinary—it naturally involves learning about politics, economics, business, health science, history, sociology, environmentalism, biology and many other fields. We have travelled extensively in Belize and have even more general travel experience. We have designed an interesting, rigorous, and exciting course through which students learn about Belize, about the US, and about themselves. Travel is an experience in itself!
ABOUT BELIZE:
Belize is a small Central American country, but it was colonized by the British (not the Spanish) and therefore its inhabitants speak English. It is relatively poor (living standards are far lower than the US), but Belizeans are friendly, especially toward Americans. The country is strongly democratic and upholds basic human rights. Over a million American tourists visit Belize each year (many via cruise ships) with few reported problems. Some Americans have purchased homes for vacation or retirement and others have established businesses in Belize. In sum, Belize is a safe and welcoming country, although one quite different than the US. It therefore provides an ideal opportunity for students to expand their understanding of the world through travel in a low-risk environment.
CREDITS:
Open to all students, this course is 3 credits of Political Science and may be used in the Global block of the CU General Education program. Credits may be applied towards a minor (18 credits) or major (37 credits) in Political Science.
COST:
Aside from the tuition/fees for 3 credits, a program fee of $2700 covers the travel portion of the course. However, due to fundraising efforts,
the price to students is only $2300 (a $400 discount!). To secure a seat, submit an application through the CU Global Engagement Office ($50 fee). Additionally, pay a $200 refundable deposit towards the $2300 program fee. The balance for the trip will be due in two installments ($1050 by Feb 15 and $1050 by April 1). The program fee covers airfare, transportation, lodging, and activities (tours, speakers, etc.) within Belize and even some meals. Students should expect to bring about $600 for spending money—remaining meals, water, extra activities, shopping, baggage fees, and something nice for mom and dad.
Students are responsible for 3 credits of tuition/fees for Summer 2025. Students are billed separately for this cost (in-state tuition/fees is ~$1200 for 3 credits). Students are also responsible for passport fees (if necessary), baggage fees (about $60 total), additional travel health insurance (~$25), and most meals/incidentals/gifts in Belize.
Students are responsible for travel to and from the airport, which will likely be one of the Washington-based international airports (DCA or BWI) or Philadelphia (PHL) – depending on ticket costs and availability.
PASSPORTS:
You MUST have a passport (if you do not have one already). Visas are NOT required for Belize, but you cannot leave the US, re-enter the US, or enter Belize WITHOUT a valid passport. Passport applications can be found online and usually take a few weeks to get processed. If you do not have a passport, you need to get your application out over the winter break. We will need a copy of your passport (which has your passport number) for airline tickets.
IMPORTANT DATES: (exact travel dates may change slightly depending on airline ticket availability)
Nov 2024: Begin accepting applications until filled (first come, first serve) - $200 deposit
Feb 15, 2025: Pay 1st installment of your balance ($1050)
Mar 2025: First “logistics and basic information” meeting (time/day to be announced)
Apr 1, 2025: Pay 2nd installment of your balance ($1050)
Apr 2025: Second “more essentials” meeting (time/day to be announced)
May 19-22, 2025: Class starts; there will be half-day instructional sessions via Zoom Monday-Thursday; homework and readings completed during this week
May 25, 2025: Meet at hotel near airport after 4 pm (optional)
May 26, 2025: Meet at airport early am for departure flight to Belize; arrival about noon (Belize-time)
- Orange Walk, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Placencia, and Caye Caulker
June 9, 2025: Return to US; students make their own arrangements to be picked up at airport
