Module #1 Introduction to Mesoamerica Overview of the region, its geography, and the importance of studying ancient Mesoamerican civilizations
Module #2 Preclassic Period (2000 BCE - 250 CE) The earliest Mesoamerican societies, including the Olmec and the development of agriculture
Module #3 The Olmec Civilization In-depth exploration of Olmec culture, politics, and achievements, including their writing system and monumental architecture
Module #4 Early Mayan Settlements The origins and early development of Mayan civilization, including the growth of cities and trade networks
Module #5 Mayan Writing and Calendar Systems Deciphering Mayan hieroglyphics and understanding the complexities of their calendar systems
Module #6 Classical Mayan Civilization (200 - 900 CE) The rise of Mayan city-states, including Tikal, Palenque, and Chichen Itza, and their achievements in art, architecture, and astronomy
Module #7 Mayan Politics and Warfare The role of kings, nobles, and warriors in Mayan society, and the significance of warfare and human sacrifice
Module #8 Mayan Economy and Trade The Mayan economy, including agriculture, trade networks, and the importance of cacao and obsidian
Module #9 The Aztec Empire The rise of the Aztecs, their capital city Tenochtitlán, and their expansion into a vast empire
Module #10 Aztec Politics and Warfare The role of the emperor, nobles, and warriors in Aztec society, and the significance of human sacrifice and imperialism
Module #11 Aztec Economy and Trade The Aztec economy, including agriculture, tribute systems, and the importance of cotton, feathers, and precious stones
Module #12 Aztec Mythology and Religion The complexities of Aztec mythology, including the role of Huitzilopochtli, Quetzalcoatl, and the importance of rituals and ceremonies
Module #13 The Toltecs The rise and fall of the Toltecs, their influence on Aztec civilization, and their achievements in art and architecture
Module #14 The Zapotecs The Zapotec civilization, including their writing system, architecture, and trade networks
Module #15 The Mixtecs The Mixtec civilization, including their codices, architecture, and the importance of turquoise and jade
Module #16 The Chiapas Region The early civilizations of the Chiapas region, including the Zoque and the importance of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec
Module #17 Mesoamerican Art and Architecture The significance of art and architecture in Mesoamerica, including pyramids, temples, and pottery
Module #18 Daily Life in Mesoamerica Exploring daily life in ancient Mesoamerica, including food, clothing, and social hierarchies
Module #19 Mesoamerican Science and Technology The achievements of Mesoamerican civilizations in science and technology, including astronomy, mathematics, and engineering
Module #20 The Spanish Conquest The arrival of the Spanish, the fall of the Aztec Empire, and the impact of colonization on Mesoamerican societies
Module #21 The Legacy of Mesoamerica The enduring influence of Mesoamerican civilizations on modern Mexican and Guatemalan culture
Module #22 Museums and Archival Resources Exploring the major museums and archival resources for the study of ancient Mesoamerica
Module #23 Recent Discoveries and Debates New findings and current debates in the field of Mesoamerican studies
Module #24 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Civilizations of Ancient Mesoamerica career
