This course focuses on the rise and fall of the ancient civilizations of Latin America. Two major goals are to expose students to an anthropological perspective and to a comparative perspective. The geographic focus is on two key regions: (1) the ancient civilizations of South America (especially Peru and Bolivia); and (2) the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica (Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras). The South American civilizations to be studied include the Moche, Chimu, Wari, Nazca, Tiwanaku, and Inca. The Mesoamerican civilizations to be studied include the Olmec, Zapotec, Maya, Mixtec, and Aztec.
Course Requirements:
All lectures are in-person. Discussion sections and three quizzes are in-person. No textbook is required.