ANTH 217 Mesoamerican Civilizations (Not offered 1998-99)*

This course will take a holistic approach to the study of the various interacting cultures of Central America from the Preclassic (1500 B.C.-A.D. 250) to the Postclassic periods (A.D. 1000-1519). The nature of Mesoamerican civilization and its development will be explored through a detailed survey of the beginning of sociopolitical complexity in the Preclassic, and the evolution of states during the Classic period in Central Mexico and the Maya lowlands. The cultural transformations that occurred over the whole Mesoamerican cultural area around A.D. 1000 will provide the introduction to the Postclassic period in which the large Aztec empire gained regional supremacy. Format: lectures, films, class presentations and discussions. Requirements: midterm, final exam, and 10-page research paper. Prerequisite: any of the three introductory archaeology courses. Enrollment limited to 40.

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