Historical ethnography of the major pre-Columbian civilations,
especially the Olmec, people of Teotihuacan, the Maya, Aztec, the
Zapotec and Mixtec.

Emphasis of the social life, cultural achievements, religion, world
view, and political systems to illustrate the diversity and richness
of Amerindian life before the Spanish conquest.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: There will be Power Point lectures, video
analysis, and readings that require taking notes. Students are
expected to use logical arguments sustained with evidence in class
discussions and to improve their reading, writing, analytical, and
speaking skills. The IU Writing Tutorial Services can provide
Discipline- and Course-Specific Tutoring if needed, which includes
appropriate citation styles.

READINGS: You are expected to read all of the texts assigned to this
course and the homework assigned readings. Questions regarding the
texts will appear on the exams. The texts available at the bookstore are:

Richard Townsend, The Aztecs. ISBN 0-500-28132-7
Michael D. Coe, The Maya. ISBN 0-500-28505-5
Mary Ellen Miller, The Art of Mesoamerica. ISBN 0-500-20345-8
Julia Hendon & Rosemary Joyce, Mesoamerican Archaeology: Theory
and Practice. ISBN 0-631-23052-1

LATINO STUDIES RESOURCES WEBSITE:
http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/  Contains topics and data related
to this course.

GRADING: Your grade will consist of a Mid-Term Exam (30%), a Final
Exam (30%), three out of four Oncourse essay quizzes (10% each), and
participation and attendance (10%). The exams will cover material from
the readings, lectures and presentations.