School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto
Instructor: Nicholas Packwood
"This course examines the Mayan culture, a civilization that lasted for almost 1,500 years. It focuses on the questions as to who these peolpe really were, and how they managed, as early as 500 years before the birth of Christ, to carve a civilization out of the dense jungles of the Yucatan."
Learner outcomes:
Knowledge of the early explorers' beliefs regarding the Maya as simple, peace-loving agrarians ruled by star-gazing priests. Appreciation of modern scientific evidence revealing the Mayan complex social and political systems, long-distance trade networks and complex ideas regarding war and bloodletting rituals.
Contact:
email - nicholaspackwood at yahoo.com
Please allow a day for email replies.
Lectures:
October 21 - November 25
(or in the Mayan calender: 18 Kimi 19 Yax - 14 Imix 14 Ceh)
Monday 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
SS 2115 Sydney Smith Hall
St. George Campus
Schedule:
October 21 - Section One: The Olmec Horizon
October 28 - Section Two: The Classic Period
November 4 - Section Three: The Maya State
November 11 - Section Four: Maya Sciences
November 18 - Section Five: The Maya Cosmos
November 25 - Section Six: The Collapse of Maya Civilization
Suggested reading:
Coe, Michael D. (1999). The Maya.
Thames & Hudson. ISBN: 0500280665
Other readings:
Coe, Michael D. (1999). Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs.
Thames & Hudson. ISBN: 0500277222
Gerlach, Nancy. (2002). Foods of the Maya: A Taste of the Yucatan.
University of New Mexico Press. ISBN: 0826328768
Thomas, Victoria. (2001). Books of Stone, Travel to 13 Maya Pyramids in the Yucatan
Peninsula. Zone 913 Pr. Inc. ISBN: 0943289033
Vecchiato, Gianni. (1990). Guatemala Rainbow.
Pomegranate Communications. ISBN: 0876544448
Webster, David. (2002). The Fall of the Ancient Maya: Solving the Mystery of the Maya
Collapse. Thames & Hudson. ISBN: 0500051135
Please note this syllabus is subject to change.