Mar 28, 2024  
2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

GFS 303 Biodesign Machu Picchu


You will investigate and explore the 15th century Inca settlement of Machu Picchu and nearby regions.  The existence of the Inca people in the Andean region of southern Peru has been documented as early as 1200 A.D. and the Inca Empire, that extended from modern-day Columbia to central Chile, includes vastly different ecosystems with unique flora and fauna, climate, resources, and terrain. The Inca were masterful at integrating the elements of regional ecosystems with architectural features in the establishment of new settlements. In preparation for our study abroad, we will challenge students to conceive and design a hypothetical human settlement/city that integrates features of a specific ecosystem. Our in-country experience will take us to numerous archaeological sites that exemplify the integration of environment and design. Among our many excursions in this region, we will hike a part of the Inca Trail from Chachabamba to Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and will tour Huayna Picchu. We will also visit the archeological ruins of Pisac, Illantaytambo and Chincheros, and travel by boat to the islands of Uros and Amantani, as well as visit a number of small towns in the region.  Through our research and experiences, we will learn about the enduring aspects of Inca culture including agriculture, engineering, and community organization.

 

Prerequisite: Must be at a moderate to high level of fitness as the hikes are strenuous and at altitude.  This course is limited to juniors, seniors and graduate students