You'll explore the artistic and architectural achievements of the ancient Maya civilization. The course covers Mesoamerican history, Maya hieroglyphic writing, sculpture, painting, and monumental architecture. You'll analyze iconic sites like Tikal and Chichen Itza, and learn about Maya cosmology, rituals, and daily life as reflected in their art and buildings.
It's not the easiest class, but it's definitely manageable. The toughest part is memorizing all the dates, sites, and artistic styles. The material is super interesting, which helps a lot. If you're into history and art, you'll probably find it easier than someone who's just taking it as an elective. Overall, it's a medium difficulty course that requires consistent effort.
Introduction to Art History: This course provides a broad overview of art from prehistoric times to the present, covering major movements and styles. It helps build a foundation for understanding artistic analysis and interpretation.
Ancient Mesoamerican Civilizations: This class focuses on the various cultures that developed in Mesoamerica, including the Olmec, Zapotec, and Aztec. It provides essential context for understanding the Maya within the broader Mesoamerican world.
Aztec Art and Culture: Explores the artistic traditions and cultural practices of the Aztec civilization. You'll learn about Aztec religion, social structure, and their impressive capital city of Tenochtitlan.
Ancient Andean Art: Focuses on the art and architecture of pre-Columbian South America, including the Inca, Moche, and Nazca cultures. You'll study famous sites like Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines.
Pre-Columbian Art of Mexico: Covers the diverse artistic traditions of ancient Mexico, from the Olmec to the Aztec. You'll examine sculpture, ceramics, and monumental architecture from various cultures.
Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt: Delves into the iconic art and monumental buildings of ancient Egypt. You'll study pyramids, temples, hieroglyphs, and burial practices across different periods of Egyptian history.
Art History: Focuses on the study of visual arts throughout history, including painting, sculpture, and architecture. Students learn to analyze and interpret artworks within their cultural and historical contexts.
Anthropology: Explores human cultures, both past and present, through various subfields like archaeology and cultural anthropology. Students study human evolution, cultural practices, and material remains of ancient societies.
Archaeology: Concentrates on uncovering and interpreting material remains of past human societies. Students learn excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and theories about ancient cultures and their development.
Latin American Studies: Examines the history, culture, and politics of Latin America from pre-Columbian times to the present. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the region's diverse societies and their interconnections.
Museum Curator: Organizes and manages museum collections, plans exhibitions, and conducts research on artifacts. Curators also work on educational programs and collaborate with other institutions to share knowledge about Maya art and culture.
Archaeologist: Conducts excavations, analyzes artifacts, and interprets findings to understand ancient Maya society. Archaeologists may work in academia, for cultural resource management firms, or government agencies.
Art Conservator: Preserves and restores artworks and artifacts, including Maya sculptures, ceramics, and murals. Conservators use scientific techniques and historical knowledge to maintain the integrity of cultural heritage objects.
Cultural Heritage Consultant: Advises on the preservation and management of Maya archaeological sites and artifacts. Consultants may work with governments, tourism agencies, or international organizations to develop sustainable heritage management plans.
Do I need to know Spanish or a Maya language to take this course? While it's not usually required, knowing some Spanish can be helpful for reading certain sources. Maya languages aren't necessary but can add depth to your understanding.
Are there any field trips or hands-on components in this class? Some professors organize museum visits or workshops on Maya hieroglyphs, but it varies by institution. Check the syllabus or ask your professor about any practical components.
How much math is involved in studying Maya architecture? There's not much advanced math, but you'll need to understand basic geometry and proportions. You might also learn about the Maya numerical system and calendar calculations.