Mesoamerican Archaeology

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the peoples and civilizations of Mesoamerica—a cultural region encompassing the southern two-thirds of Mexico and the northern half of Central America, including present-day Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and northwestern Honduras. Traces the full arc of human occupation in the region, from the earliest settlements over 14,000 years ago to the arrival of Europeans in the 15th century. Critically evaluates archaeological data and interpretations and situates Mesoamerican case studies within broader anthropological and theoretical frameworks. TOPICS AND THEMES. Emphasizing critical engagement with key debates in Mesoamerican archaeology, the course examines topics such as the origins of agriculture and urbanism, household and state economies, social stratification, ritual and religion, warfare, mobility and migration, and processes of collapse and resilience. Special attention is given to the diverse lines of evidence archaeologists use to explore these themes—including ancient DNA, material culture analysis, iconography, writing systems, linguistics, colonial-era documents and ethnographic accounts. This multidisciplinary approach fosters a more holistic understanding of Mesoamerican societies and their rich, complex histories. Prerequisites: ANTH 202 or ANTH 204 , or approval of instructor.