Ancient American Art and Archaeology

Catalog description

This course surveys the art and architecture of the ancient (Precolumbian) Americas, focusing on a range of cultures from the Olmec and Maya to the Mexica (Aztec) and Inca Empires, who faced invading Europeans five hundred years ago. Iterations of this course may focus on North American visual cultures as well. Participants will encounter varying visual styles and expressive media, while addressing a range of topics including aesthetics, history, mythology, politics, and urbanism. The course will include visits to regional museums and explore issues relating to the display, interpretation, and ethics of ancient American artifacts today.