You'll explore the origins, peak, and collapse of Mayan society. The course covers Mayan politics, economics, art, architecture, and religion. You'll analyze hieroglyphic writing, calendar systems, and astronomical knowledge. The class also delves into Mayan warfare, trade networks, and their interactions with other Mesoamerican cultures.
It's not a walk in the park, but it's not impossible either. The course can be challenging due to the sheer amount of information and unfamiliar names and concepts. However, most students find it super interesting, which makes the workload feel lighter. As long as you keep up with readings and pay attention to key dates and events, you should be fine.
Introduction to Latin American Studies: This course provides an overview of Latin American history, culture, and contemporary issues. It's a great foundation for understanding the broader context of Mayan civilization.
Ancient Mesoamerican Civilizations: This class covers various pre-Columbian cultures in Mexico and Central America. It gives you a comparative perspective on the Mayans and their neighbors.
Aztec Civilization: Explore the history and culture of another major Mesoamerican civilization. This course covers Aztec society, religion, and their eventual conquest by the Spanish.
Ancient Maya Art and Architecture: Dive deeper into the artistic and architectural achievements of the Maya. You'll study temples, palaces, sculptures, and murals in detail.
Mesoamerican Writing Systems: Focus on the development and decipherment of Mayan hieroglyphs and other Mesoamerican scripts. You'll learn to read basic glyphs and understand their significance.
Archaeology of the Americas: Learn about archaeological methods and discoveries across North and South America. This course includes sections on Mayan archaeology and recent findings.
Latin American Studies: Focuses on the history, politics, culture, and languages of Latin America. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the region's past and present.
Anthropology: Examines human cultures, both past and present. Anthropology majors study various aspects of human society, including archaeology, linguistics, and cultural practices.
Archaeology: Concentrates on uncovering and interpreting material remains of past human cultures. Students learn excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and theories of cultural development.
History: Explores past events, their causes, and their impacts on societies. History majors develop critical thinking skills and gain a deep understanding of how past events shape the present.
Museum Curator: Organizes and manages collections of artifacts and artworks. Curators research, design exhibits, and educate the public about historical and cultural topics.
Archaeologist: Excavates and analyzes material remains of past human societies. Archaeologists work in the field, in labs, and in academic settings to uncover and interpret historical evidence.
Cultural Resource Manager: Protects and preserves historical and cultural sites. These professionals work with government agencies, construction companies, and indigenous communities to ensure responsible development.
Historical Consultant: Provides expert knowledge for films, documentaries, or historical reenactments. Consultants ensure historical accuracy and help bring past cultures to life for modern audiences.
Do we need to learn the Mayan language? You'll learn some basic glyphs and vocabulary, but fluency isn't required. The focus is more on understanding the writing system and its cultural significance.
Are there any field trips associated with this course? Some professors organize optional trips to Mayan sites in Mexico or Guatemala. These aren't mandatory but can be an amazing experience if you can swing it.
How much math is involved in learning about Mayan astronomy? You'll cover basic concepts of their calendar and number systems. It's not calculus-level stuff, but you should be comfortable with some mathematical thinking.