ANT 2170 - ANCIENT MESOAMERICA

credits: 3.0
Will examine pre-Columbian Mesoamerica (the region from Central Mexico through parts of modern Central America) as a social and cultural region. Drawing upon archaeological and written materials will examine social structure, cosmology and worldview, social roles including gender and family structure, and economic and political organization. Will cover the preclassic, classic, and post classic periods, focusing on several cultural areas including the Olmec, the Zapotec and Mixtec of Oaxaca, the Toltecs, the Maya, and the Mexica (or “Aztec”). Objectives: A) Describe some of the ancient history of one part of the Western hemisphere; B) Compare historical data from Mesoamerican civilizations to early “Western” civilizations; C) Describe some details of Latin American prehistory and history; D) Demonstrate analytical and critical skills through reading, discussion, writing and the design of research projects. Method of Instruction: Lecture-discussion; film and video; reading, writing, and examinations. Method of Evaluation: Participation, attendance, reading response papers, exams and final paper. Meets *NWP Distribution Requirement.