The course is taught by Colloredo-Mansfeld. This course explores contemporary approaches to the complexities of social and political formations in the modern world. Contemporary conditions are contextualized by examining their historical development. The instructor draws on her cross-cultural fieldwork experience to illustrate important concepts. The class studies a wide range of materials recently recovered from archaeological sites.
Readings cover theoretical, methodological, and technical topics.
Discussions, quizzes, and a final lab project are based upon the readings and the lab work. The course is intended for students with strong archaeological interests or archaeological field experience. This is a general introduction to Mesoamerican archaeology with an emphasis on the high civilizations of the Maya area and central Mexico. The course is taught by Charlton. This course examines the background for the development of the Aztec state, the nature of the civilization encountered by the Spaniards in 1519, and the contemporary indigenous peoples affected by the Aztecs.