447H THE ART OF MESOAMERICA AND THE SOUTHWEST

Instructor: DR. MANUEL AGUILAR

Course Description:

This is a lecture course that surveys the art and architecture of the ancient civilizations of Precolumbian Mesoamerica, from the time of the Olmec through that of the Maya and Aztecs. Analysis and interpretation of the art will be based primarily on its role as a transmitter of cultural information and world view. We will focus particularly on the continuities and shared ideologies that characterize and unite Mesoamerican civilizations, from the 2nd millennium BC until the arrival of the Spanish at the time of the Conquest. This course will provide students with a general knowledge of the artistic traditions and chronology of Precolumbian Mesoamerica.

Required Texts:

Miller, Mary. Maya Art and Architecture. New York: Thames & Hudson. Coe, Michael. Mexico - From the Olmecs to the Aztecs. New York: Thames & Hudson.

Grading:

There will be two exams, each worth 50 % of your final grade. The exams may consist of fill-in-the-blank, short answer questions, slide identifications and comparisons, or essay-like questions. There will be no makeup exams; if a student misses an exam, a zero will be given unless a valid medical excuse is provided.

Attendance and Class Participation:

As exam material will be drawn from class lectures as well as the required text, it is important to attend all lectures if you intend to fare well in this class. It is also crucial to read ahead of the subject covered in class so you are prepared to discuss it and have an active participation.

Course Schedule:

1.1 Introduction and concept of Mesoamerica.

PRECLASSIC PERIOD: 1500 BC to 200 AD

1. 2 The Olmec origins and the site of La Venta; Olmec sculpture and celts and concepts of rulership/maize.

2.1 The Olmec site of Chalcatzingo: the construction of sacred space; the shamanic underpinnings for divine kingship.

CLASSIC PERIOD: 200 TO 900 AD

2.2 The valley of Oaxaca and the Zapotec: Monte Alban and Yagul.

3. Teotihuacan: architecture, sacred space, sculpture, murals and iconography.

4.1 EXAM ONE

4.2 Introduction to Maya culture, calendar and hieroglyphs.

5.1 Maya architectural styles and the site of Tikal.

5.2 The site of Copan.

6.1 The site of Palenque.

6.2 The site of Yaxchilan.

7.1 The site of Bonampak.

7.2 The Olmeca-Xicalancas: Cacaxtla and Xochicalco.

8.1 The Totopacs: El Tajin.

POSTCLASSIC PERIOD: 900-1521 AD

8.2 Tula and the concept of Tollan.

9.1 The site of Chichen Itza and the Toltec question.

9.2 The Aztec culture.

10.1 The great temple of Tenochtitlan and Malinalco.

10.2 Visiting Lecturer.

FINAL EXAM DAY: EXAM TWO    

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