2009 Conference on Mesoamerica

This weekend, something very exciting is happening in East L.A.  Experts from Canada, Australia, Ukraine, Germany, the United States and Mexico are gathering on the campus of CSULA to discuss this year's research findings and resulting dissertations concerning the history of MesoAmerica.

Events like this one are usually free (or requested donation) and are invaluable ways to gain knowledge of the history, culture and language of civilizations past.  As one introducer aptly put yesterday, "This is your chance to meet the author's of the textbooks, to ask questions and hear the information firsthand so that you can decide what to believe."

The events yesterday were so good that I am returning again today for another dose of ancient, but relevant, history.  Some of the topics analyzed are a Valley Zapotec text from 1614 and the information it tells us, the Mesoamerican Ballgame Ulama, Literature and History, Beliefs, Myths and filmic representation in Chicano literature.  These presentations are either given in English or Spanish.  For a bilingual geek like myself this is a great way to hear elevated, higher-level academic vocabulary in both languages, and did I mention, this is FREE?

So, if you have nothing else going on today - or even if you already have plans, I encourage you to amend them to make a stop in at this amazing conference.  The program ends at 8 pm on Saturday and you can receive the bulk of information you need by checking in at the CSULA information desk in the Student Union.

-B.C.