Course Objectives

This course is a survey of the prehistoric and early historic cultures of Mesoamerica, with particular focus on the first people in Mesoamerica, emerging agricultural traditions, and the civilizations of the Olmecs, Toltecs, Mayans, and Aztecs. Topics include the relationship between Mesoamerican past and present; cultural traditions; and the relationship of Mesoamerica to other cultures across the world. Our goal for this semester is to learn about prehistoric cultures of Mesoamerica as well as to develop an understanding of all human cultures.

This course fulfills General Education Attribute: HO2 (Other World Civilizations-"To fulfill this requirement, students will demonstrate knowledge of either a broad outline of world history, or the distinctive features of the history, institutions, economy, society, culture, etc., of on non-Western Civilization").

Grading

• Grading will be based on two exams, each worth 100 points: one midterm and one final exam (non-cumulative), one annotated bibliography and one group presentation.

• The annotated bibliography will be worth 50 points. This is a literature and web search of the topic for your group presentation in Mesoamerican Archaeology. A list of at least five references will be due (three of these must be from peer review articles or books) in annotated form.

• The group presentation is worth 100 points. The length of the presentation should be between 10-15 minutes, you will also turn in a one page summary with references on the day of your presentation.

Class Participation and Attendance

You are expected to participate fully in class, which includes regular class attendance, keeping current with assigned readings, and participation in class discussions.

The total requirements for the semester are:

Textbook

• Evans, Susan Toby (2008) Ancient Mexico & Central America, 2nd edition.  Thames and Hudson, London.

Classroom Etiquette 

• You are expected to arrive to class on time, ready to start.

• Class is not over until class is over; please don’t get ready to leave before I indicate that we are done for the day.

• Expect that we will always be meeting for the full scheduled class period.

• While it is anticipated that the need to use the restroom during class may periodically arise, please keep personal breaks to a minimum, and do so only if absolutely necessary.

• No laptops computers allowed unless one is needed for authorized disability.

• Make sure that cell phones are turned off!

Other Important Information 

•  The Center for Academic Development and Enrichment (formerly Learning Support Services) provides free academic services to students. If you need assistance and tutoring in writing, the Writing Center can help. For tutoring in subject areas and development of study skills, the Learning Center is a good resource. Both are located at 225 Alumni Hall.

•  Always save copies of your work.  It’s a good idea to print a hard copy, as well as save a copy on your computer, on a floppy or zip disk and to the network. A computer crash and loss of your work just before it is due is not an acceptable excuse for it being late.

• If, due to serious injury/illness or dire circumstances such as a death in the family, you will be absent for several classes, please communicate with me as soon as possible, and consider calling Student Development (119 Netzer, 436-2513), to advise them, and take advantage of their assistance.