SPAN 375: Current Topics/Independent Study

Students who are eligible for this course will carry out a research project that is related to some aspect of Oaxacan culture and life. This could be at a hospital, in an elementary school, about a local indigenous language, or some other relevant topic. This is carried out with the close assistance of the program director, UIC professor Kim Potowski.

This page serves as an archive for past student projects.

“Access to health care in Oaxaca”
Sara Izquierdo, 2017

“Bordando raíces” Video Essay
Alicia Ribeiro, 2022

“Mental health in Oaxacan indigenous communities”
Jessica Arias, 2023

“La evolución del papel de la mujer en ‘usos y costumbres’ en Oaxaca”
Izayo Rodriguez, 2019

“Communal lands and the management of natural resources”
Cata Herrera, 2022

“High school lesson plans about alebrijes, huipiles y el barro negro”
Diana Mejia, 2023

“High school lesson plan about lenguas indígenas en Oaxaca”
Vanessa Delgado, 2023

“La música tradicional de Oaxaca: ¿Qué elementos tradicionales retiene y cómo ha cambiado con el tiempo?”
Natalia Perea, 2025

Social Justice, Identity, and Language in Oaxaca:
Summer study abroad for heritage speakers