ANH 4471 - THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF MESOAMERICA

Mesoamerica - or “middle America” - is the southernmost part of North America, connecting it with its sister continent to the south. Through the accounts of scientists, explorers, and missionaries, this course examines the history, religion, art, and cultures of the ancient and modern peoples of Mesoamerica. We will scrutinize various explanations for the emergence and mysterious collapse of the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, and others. We will examine the rise and fall of civilizations, the history and impact of European contact and domination, and the contemporary struggles for cultural identity and indigenous empowerment which characterize the region.

Credits: 3 cr. Dual Listed/Cross Listed: HST 4471.