ANTH 4850 - Crafting Maya Identities: Household Archaeology in Mesoamerica (WP)

3 unit(s)

An archaeological survey of identity formation among the ancient Maya and their neighbors. Students will work with primary archaeological data to understand the roots of Mesoamerican cultural practices seen in Latin America today.

Satisfies upper division writing proficiency requirement.

Prerequisites: ANTH 2090 (or equivalent) recommended.

Hours: (Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours)

Course Learning Outcomes List
Upon successful completion of the course students will:

1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of identity studies within anthropology, with an emphasis on the archeological investigation of identity, by writing reading response essays that address aspects of this topic;

2. Exhibit proficiency in the use of archaeological records (including field notes, drawings, photographs, mapping points, and artifact records) by producing an accurate and complete archaeological report;

3. Display a working knowledge of Mesoamerican prehistory, with an emphasis on the Southeast Maya area, sufficient to undertake a comparative study of issues of identity by writing, presenting, discussing, and revising a research paper that explores identity formation in the region using archaeological date; and

4. Improve writing and critical thinking skills by applying archaeological finding to questions surrounding identity formation in a critical interrogation of social, political, ethnic, and cultural identities within Mesoamerica, past and present.

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