ANTH 3101 Introduction to Mayan Civilization

(1 credit) – January 10-17, 2004

This course will also meet on the campus of Galen University in San Ignacio, Belize. In addition to lectures providing an overview of Mayan history, culture, art and archeology, field experiences at several ancient Mayan cities, excavation sites and caves (e.g., Baking Pot, Cahal Pech, Caracol, and Xunantunich) are part of this exciting course. Students will have an opportunity to explore everything from the jade-filled tombs of rulers to Post-classic period refuse dumps, as well as the opportunity to learn about excavation techniques, mapping, and methods for surveying cultural remains. Specific topics include Mayan household archaeology, Mayan ideology, and Post-classic Mayan achievements.

In addition to the field experiences noted above, students enrolling in the first and second courses will have the option of taking an overnight (weekend) trip to the ancient Mayan ruins in Tikal, Guatemala. This trip will take place on the weekend between the first and second courses.

The instructor for this course is Jamie Awe, Ph.D. Dr. Awe is a native of Belize, director of the Belize Institute for Archeology, associate professor of anthropology and archeology at Galen University, and an expert on Mayan civilization.