ANTH 8 - Ancient Civilizations of Mesoamerica

3 units
3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 1 or eligibility for ENGL 1A or qualification by appropriate assessment
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course traces the development of the indigenous societies of Mesoamerica (the region stretching from northern Mexico to Honduras and Guatemala) from the entry of humans into the Americas at the end of the Upper Paleolithic Period until the arrival and conquest by the Spaniards in the early sixteenth century AD. Special attention will be given to those societies that achieved chiefdom or state-level political complexity. Topics will include languages, writing systems, belief systems, political systems, economies, and the art of these peoples.