Interpretive study of art and material culture as expressions of the knowledge, concepts and religious worldview (rituals, sacred histories) of Native American cultures. The seminar starts with a focus on living cultural traditions and indigenous perspectives, as well as on historical accounts. The second part analyses several archaeological sites and examples of visual art. The class is connected to the department’s iconological – historical – ethnographic research projects on (1) Mixtec culture, language and history, and (2) on the function and symbolism of the ancient Mesoamerican calendar, still in use in Southern Mexico and Guatemala (in cooperation with the Institut f?ltamerikanistik und Ethnologie, University of Bonn). In their own presentations students may, however, focus on their specific area of (thesis) interest.
For the possible combination with ethnographic fieldwork, see the seminar on Mixtec language and culture under C.
Admission requirements
BA degree (or equivalent) in Archaeology or a relevant discipline.
SAP and exchange students: admission after approval by the Graduate School of Archaeology.
Course objective
Exercise research skills for in-depth interpretation of Native American visual art and material culture in terms of the culture’s own worldview, relating archaeological data to historical documents and contemporary oral traditions. Exercise in oral presentation, discussion and writing.
Learning objectives
*Knowledge of current research and debates in art and material culture as expressions of the knowledge, concepts and religious worldview of living Native American cultures; *Is able to critically assess current research on living Native American cultures and literature and voice one’s well-argumented opinion; *Is able to connect research on living Native American cultures with archaeological research questions; *Is able to choose a research topic, find relevant literature, present this via a Powerpoint presentation and is able to handle a stimulating discussion afterwards; *Is able to write a paper on his/her research topic, with expression of a critically assessment of the literature and one’s own well-argumented opinion, making use of the feedback received with the presentation.
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.
Examination
Active participation with powerpoint presentations and written assignments.
Required reading
Different sources, monographs and articles, which in part will be assigned during the class, and in part have to be identified by the students themselves (library / internet search).