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SMU IN TAOS CULTURAL INSTITUTE

An enriching weekend in
the Land of Enchantment

2008 SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute

July 17-20, 2008

Cultural Institure

Visit our photos page to see highlights from previous SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute weekends.

Focus your lens on the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Excavate the past near historic Fort Burgwin. Learn new perspectives on the art, cultures, and colorful characters of Taos. Explore New Mexico’s past as the birthplace of the nuclear age. Renew yourself in the spectacular setting of Northern New Mexico.

For over 30 years, the 295-acre SMU-in-Taos campus has been used for undergraduate summer semesters and our archaeological field school. Now, with the addition of the Cultural Institute, we are opening our doors to the general public by offering enriching weekend classes for adults in a relaxed and inspirational setting. Taught by distinguished SMU faculty, class topics reflect the unique geology, archaeology, literary and artistic traditions, cultural richness, and scientific contributions of Northern New Mexico, as well as the recreational opportunities provided by the local environment.

Each topic is explored over two and a half days, including fieldtrips to relevant sites, with time allowed for sightseeing and recreation on your own. Classes are limited in size to allow for in-depth discussion and individual attention. Through evening receptions and shared mealtimes, you may enjoy an atmosphere of relaxed academic congeniality and exchange, learning at your own pace in a setting that captures the imagination, encourages exploration, and renews the spirit.

"Vacationing has changed. People now want to collect ‘experiences’ as opposed to photos or other ‘brag-abouts.’ SMU-in-Taos provides a venue, a learning environment, and just enough mental stretches. It all added up to a memorable experience. I am so glad I was there."
– Lisa LeMaster

Learn more about the dates and courses for the 2008 SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute.

Cost Information
The registration fee for each class ranges from $650 - $750, and includes course tuition, field trip entry fees and permits, materials costs, and designated meals. Lodging and transportation to and from Taos are the responsibility of each participant.

Cancellation Policy
Registrants may cancel by notifying the SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute up to 30 days prior to the start date of the Institute. A handling fee of $50 will be withheld from your registration fee, and the balance will be refunded to you. Refunds will not be permitted after June 21. Should the SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute cancel a course, a full refund will be made to the registrants of that course.

Accommodations
Participants in the Taos Cultural Institute are responsible for making their own arrangements for lodging during the weekend. Because July is one of the busiest times in Taos, you are encouraged to make these arrangements sooner rather than later. For a list of lodging options that we highly recommend, please click here.

Getting There
If you choose to fly, the nearest airport is the Albuquerque International Airport, from which you may rent a car or take a shuttle into Taos (about a 2-hour drive). If you choose to drive from Dallas to Taos, plan on approximately 11-12 hours.

Download maps of the drive from Albuquerque to Taos or Dallas to Taos, including driving directions and landmarks along the way.

Taos Weather in July
The weather in Taos in July is (typically) delightful. While daytime highs are usually in the mid to high 80s, evenings and early mornings are cool, with lows in the low to mid 50s. Days are mostly sunny, although late afternoon showers are common. Click here for the current Taos forecast.

What to Wear
Dress is very casual during the day and “nice casual” at night. Dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes. Comfortable walking shoes are suggested. And because the sun is more intense at higher altitudes, sunscreen and a hat are highly recommended.

Please Note
The Taos area is at an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level. Some fieldtrips will include walking trails and climbing moderate inclines at this altitude.

For More Information
Contact Allison Curran at taosci@smu.edu or call 214-768-TAOS (8267).