Calendar - topics

This is a two-month season of Mexican Narratives Online Classes.
The following are the dates and topics to be covered
every Wednesday, from 7 June to 26 July 2023, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM noon.
Wednesday - 7 June
OUR GENTEL HOMELAND: AN INTRO TO MEXICO AND MEXICANS
Mexico is a big country with a long history. Now that you're here get to know it better! In the voices of Mexicans themselves, listen to this nation's secrets, take a deep look at its breathtaking scenery, and discover the awe-inspiring stories of its people. A general overview of the nation just to get you started.
Wednesday - 14 June
MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATE: IT'S COMPLICATED
Often described as an "overbearing neighbor" by some Mexicans, the United States casts a long shadow over their country. The proximity with the world's sole superpower is easily defined "as a blessing and as a curse" in the minds of Mexicans. No wonder President Porfirio Diaz often said: "poor Mexico, so far from God, so close to the United States." Come to unravel this complicated love-hate relationship.
Wednesday - 21 June
AMLOVER OR NOT? THE PRESIDENT OF MEXICO - 2018-2024
For the third time in a row, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador finally got elected President of Mexico in 2018. How has he changed the country? What's with his Fourth Transformation political project? Where is Mexico headed as the 2024 federal election approaches? It would appear that for most Mexicans it's usually a "love or hate AMLO" proposition? Be there to talk about this country's presidential regime and the current holder of the office.
Wednesday - 28 June
MEXICAN ECONOMICS 101
Mexico's economy has gone from growth rates of 7% to negative growth to stability and expansion over several decades. It's been much of a rollercoaster. So, where does the economy stand in 2023? How's the country managing the new USMCA signed with the United States and Canada? How's the current administration handling economic issues? What's in store economically for the 2024 presidential election?
Wednesday - 5 July
IMMIGRATION, EMIGRATION, CONTENTION, DEPORTATION. WHICH IS IT?
As a witness to tragic stories of misery and even death, Mexico is often at a loss on how best to treat the growing number of those entering its territory and traversing its massive landscapes. How are the country's government and social institutions responding to this growing migration tide? How do Mexicans view the role the United States plays in this daily drama?
Wednesday - 12 July
THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER: AN OVERVIEW OF MEXICAN MEDIA
Mexico's has been declared one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. How's journalism doing? How many trustworthy news media are out there? Who owns traditional media sources? How is social media swaying opinion one way or the other? What is the current federal administration's role in the media environment? Come and be exposed to some media truths!
Wednesday - 19 July
HOW'S MEXICAN DEMOCRACY FARING?
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the country's democratic institutions endure a set of unexpected challenges. Will they be able to remain strong enough to hold clean and fair elections? What changes have been imposed on them? What role are President Lopez Obrador and opposition parties playing? Join us to talk Mexican elections and democracy on this Wednesday session.
Wednesday - 26 July
SPIRALING VIOLENCE ACROSS MEXICO. WHAT'S BEHIND IT?
For a good 15 years, Mexico has confronted spiraling waves of violence and endless criminal atrocities. What changed in 2006 that "the seal was broken" and the massacres started? Why is violence so out of control? How was Mexico so utterly "Colombianized"? Why do Mexicans see a suspect in the United States? Do they feel threatened? Are there plans to put an end to the slaughter? Let's attempt to make some sense of this difficult topic.