Interpretive study of art and material culture as expressions of the knowledge, concepts and religious worldview (rituals, sacred histories) of Ancient American cultures. Continuation of the first part (see the course Contemporary Amerindian Society) dealing with comtemporary indigenous society with an analysis of several archeological sites and examples of visual art.
Timetable
The course will take place in the second term of the first semester on Wednesdays form 9.00 to 11.00. Second year students of the MPhil programme may be involved in this course as teaching assistants.
Method of Instruction
Seminar with analysis of ethnographic data and examples of Mesoamerican visual art, including a discussion of methodological and theoretical issues. Students are required to give powerpoint presentations about primary material and/or textual sources.
Course objectives
Exercise research skills for in-depth interpretation of Native American visual art and material culture in terms of the culture’s own worldview, relating archeological data to historical documents and contemporary oral traditions. Exercise in oral presentation, discussion and writing.
Required reading
Different sources, monographs and articles, wihich in part will be assigned during the class, and in part have to be identified by the students themselves (library/internet search).
Examination
Active participation with powerpoint presentations and written assignments.
Information
Prof. Dr. M.E.R.G.N.Jansen