The ancient Maya civilization at its height was filled with astronomers, mathematicians, inventors, creators of highly accurate calendars, skilled artists, and builders of great structures such as astronomical observatories, pyramids, and sport courts!  This thriving civilization  flourished in Mesoamerica beginning almost 4,000 years ago.  The ancient Maya lived in highly organized city-states.  This course will introduce students to these defining aspects of ancient Maya civilization as well as explore the Maya religion and everyday life thousands of years ago.  We will also learn about the Spanish infiltration and eventual conquest of the Maya, discussing the implications that it caused and what it meant for the Maya.  We will explore some of the archaeological and historical traditions that formulate our view of the Maya as well as first person viewpoints left from that civilization (Popol Vuh).  We will acknowledge that the current people of the Maya live under a European-style society because of the forceful actions of their conquerors.

Let’s explore this Mesoamerican civilization!  

Course will include an engaging slideshow and leading questions will be asked to students to promote discussion.

Course Outline:
Day 1
Geography of Mexico (locating the homeland of the Maya, major bodies of water surrounding Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula)
Climate and terrain of Mexico
Mesoamerica 
Major city-states of the Maya
Exploring the city-state of Chichen Itza and its structures (pyramids, observatory, temples, ball courts)
Exploring the city-state of Tikal and its structures (pyramids, temples)
Governmental organization of city-states
Day 2
Review
Mayan inventions
Innovations and technology in agriculture 
Additional innovations 
The Mayan calendar
Mayan Art
Mayan writing and numerical system
Day 3
Review 
The religion of the Maya (Maya codices, Popul Vuh)
Everyday life of the Maya (what they ate, how they were housed, what they wore, common domesticated animals)
First contact with the Maya by the Europeans, the Spanish infiltration of the Maya region, and the implications of the Spanish conquest of the Maya
Final review