ML 6840 - Topics in Pre-Columbian Cultures and Literature

Credits: 3

Description This course presents a survey of the major civilizations of the Americas who inhabited the territories now occupied by Latin America prior to the Spanish Conquest. Beginning with the three best known civilizations of the Mayas, the Aztecs, and the Inca, and branching off into the exploration of other Mexican and Peruvian ancestors, the course will explore the cosmology of the ancient world for its impact on all areas of ancient life in terms of religion and folk beliefs, social structure, scientific achievement, literature and language. Critical questions to be examined will focus upon issues of import to contemporary indigenous cultures and their impact upon political and social movements and how they fare in the face of globalization. Course readings will include scholarly textbooks; articles selected specific to select topics; early manuscripts; and original texts in Spanish translation; as well as several films. (Conducted in Spanish)