10/26/10 jgm

HAYS, Kan. -- The departments of Geosciences and Modern Languages at Fort Hays State University will host the Travelogue series "FHSU Students in the Andes" from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1, and Monday, Nov. 15, in Cody Commons in the Memorial Union.

Ten students and four FHSU faculty members traveled to Lima and Cuzco, Peru, as part of the "Topics in Foreign Language: Andean Studies" course. The students visit colonial downtown Lima, the Chinese neighborhood "Chinatown," and historical and archeology museums to provide them with a historic background before flying to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire. In Cuzco, students visited Macchu Picchu, Sacred Valley and museums, attended cultural and artistic events, and participated in a cultural exchange with the community of Chari.

"Students were immersed in Andean culture through an educational exchange with the Andean community of Chari," said Rosa-Maria Castaneda, instructor of modern languages. "Students learned about their social organization, traditional weaving techniques, ate local food, visited the community school and shared with the students traditional children's games."

These students will share what they have learned about Andean culture and travel experiences.

On Monday, Nov. 1, Kimberly Conner, Elkhart senior, will present "Oral Traditions in Andean Culture." Stephanie Kramer, Atchison special student, and Ashley Cook, Hardtney senior, will present "Religious Syncretism in the Andes." Lauren Bolyard, Hays senior, will present "Inca Architecture."

On Monday, Nov. 15, Mallory Smith, Hays senior, and Paige Kincade, Idaho Springs, Colo., senior, will present "Weaving Traditions;" William Tuttle, Bennett, Colo., senior, will present "Cuzco School of Painting;" and Heather Cox, Alma senior, Adam Trimble, Loveland, Colo., sophomore, and Kathleen Batchelor, Colorado Springs, Colo., junior, will present "the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Hike."