So... just what is the Queretaro Research Project? The QRP (as those "in the know" refer to it) is a binational research, training/exchange, and curriculum development project that is part of a larger international exchange program between the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the University of Queretaro, Mexico (UAQ).

RESEARCH
The research component of the QRP examines the impact of transnational ties, state policies, and the use of natural resources such as land and water on Mexican peasant communities in the state of Queretaro. The historical period researched begins with the land reform program in Queretaro in the post-Revolutionary period (since 1917) and continues to the present. The research covers the entire state of Queretaro and its contrasting agro-ecological zones and focuses on specific communities and land tenure sectors in the zone, including pequenos propietarios (private farmers), ejidatarios (state land grant recipients), and jornaleros (hired farm workers) in each zone. The studies will collectively contribute to a comprehensive ethnographic synthesis and portrait of how a single region in Mexico has changed, adapted to, and been affected by local, regional, national, and international dynamics over nearly a century.

The QRP is a team effort involving students, faculty, and researchers from both UCSB and UAQ. Individual participants in the QRP focus on a variety of topics within the larger framework of macro-micro analysis of interrelations between individuals, extended social and political networks, communities, and larger social, economic, and political structures. QRP team members meet regularly to discuss their research, and to co-author papers for conferences and publication.

TRAINING AND SCHOLARLY EXCHANGE
The QRP has trained undergraduates and graduates from both universities. Training of UCSB undergraduates participating in the QRP can take two forms. First, they can participate in a computer-assisted course and simulation on ethnographic methods for one to three quarters at UCSB (see below). Secondly, they can participate with other Mexican anthropology students in the UCSB-UAQ summer field methods practicum. There, they develop ethnographic field research skills (interviewing, constructing genealogies, life histories, etc.). Aside from an intensive field experience, UCSB students also benefit by obtaining a different perspective on their research topics.

UCSB graduate students have also undertaken summer research projects, and several have done their dissertation research in Queretaro. In this department, Lorenzo Lopez and Carmen Tatay are currently writing their dissertations based on field research done in Queretaro.

UAQ students have also benefited by QRP training. Juan Jose Gutierrez, a doctoral candidate in this department, is probably the most well known most of us. He is, however, only one of several UAQ students who have received training in different UCSB departments. This quarter, for example, we have three visitors--Rossy Romero, Beto Garcia, and Lupe Valtierra--taking courses in GIS, remote sensing, and development anthropology.

In addition to students, several UAQ faculty have made short-term visits to utilize the UCSB library. Furthermore, UCSB faculty from various departments have visited Queretaro; some have taught seminars at UAQ. Finally, in this tradition of exchange and cooperation, administrators (including chancellors) from both universities have visited each other's campus.

Both UAQ and UCSB students, faculty and administrators involved in the QRP learn to relate to others cross-culturally in an atmosphere of a shared research experience. Students especially learn the principles and benefits of international collaboration and team research, as opposed to the more common individual research models of the American anthropological tradition.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
I have been working for nearly 5 years as a researcher and curriculum development specialist on the QRP. Recently, the Project was awarded an NSF grant to further develop an undergraduate seminar in ethnographic research methods. This course, Anthropology 111, uses multiple teaching techniques to introduce students to ethnographic methods. In the past, the course has also employed the assignment of field exercises in local field research environments. What sets Anthro 111 apart, however, from other anthropology courses is the use of computer-accessed multimedia lessons which in effect are simulated research environments. These give students a direct hands-on experience conducting field research at a foreign site. It also moves the teaching of research methods theory to hands-on research outside the classroom and (most) students' own culture. Students using the multimedia simulations are able to explore other realistic facets of field research, including resource limitations (such as time and funding constraints), situation decision-making (such as choosing an informant), dealing with conflicting or incomplete sources of data, and exposure to a foreign (for most students) language.

So there, in a nutshell, is the Project (or at least the bulk of it). Any grads who think they might be interested in participating in any of the components of the QRP can stop by and talk to me any time. You can also see Phil McCarty in the QRP office or talk directly to Dr. Manuel Carlos.

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