Admission requirements
None.
Description
This course explores the field of Mesoamerican Archaeology, focusing on the peoples and cultures of this region that includes modern day Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. We will explore the development of many cultures, states, and empires, including the Olmec of the Gulf coast, the city of Teotihuacan in central Mexico, the Maya in Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Aztec Empire that conquered much of Mexico.
Through studying these places and cultures, we will investigate the political organization, economy, and belief systems of these ancient people through their material culture, architecture, and texts. We will also explore how archaeology is practiced in this region, focusing in particular on the questions and techniques that have shaped our knowledge of these ancient civilizations, while also being mindful and critical of the colonial and imperialist histories of archaeology.
Though this course will primarily focus on Mesoamerica’s pre-Columbian history, this course will also include frequent readings from Colonial documents and modern-day ethnographies to explore how this ancient past remains relevant and impactful in the present.
Course objectives
Identify general features of Mesoamerican traditions.
Identify and date key works of Mesoamerican art and architecture.
Gain familiarity with the ways Mesoamerican archaeology has been studied.
Gain familiarity with the cultural context in which Mesoamerican archaeology was practiced.
Gain familiarity with the methods and approaches of archaeology.
Gain familiarity with peer-reviewed publications and the process of peer-review.
Develop skills for clearly presenting your findings orally to a target audience.
Timetable
Course schedule details can be found in MyTimetable.
Log in with your ULCN account, and add this course using the 'Add timetable' button.
Mode of instruction
Lectures;
Seminar discussions;
Tutored workgroups.
Assessment method
Attendance and active participation in discussions (20%);
Research proposal (20%)
Annotated bibliography (20%)
Mock grant proposal (40%).
Assessment deadlines:
The dates of exams and retakes can be found in MyTimetable. The deadlines of papers, essays and assignments are communicated through Brightspace.
Reading list
Readings will be announced later.
Registration
Enrolment for all components of your study programme through MyStudymap is mandatory. This applies to both compulsory elements and elective credits. If you are not enrolled, you may not participate.
General information about registration can be found on the Course and exam enrolment page.
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please contact the exchange coordinator for information on how to apply.
Contact
For more information about this course, please email Dr. A. (Alejandra) Roche Recinos or Dr. A. (Alexander) Geurds.
Remarks
Compulsory attendance.