Module 6 Overview Page
This week we are learning about the Maya of Central America. While many may have heard of the Maya as an ancient culture with complex astronomical, mathematical, and writing systems, that suddenly collapsed in the 10th century CE, actually 8 million people who are Maya live today all throughout central America and beyond. Maya people have lived for centuries in Central and South America and continue to resist European colonization while incorporating their cultural heritage in daily life.
There is a lot of information about the Maya circulating online and through various TV Programs, and while some of it is correct, often programs about the Maya are outdated, factually inaccurate, or sensationalized. Additionally, there is a lot of anthropological/archaeological information about the Maya, and we cannot cover it all. So in this module, the objectives are:
- gain a basic understanding of the history of the Maya
- learn about Maya social organization before European colonization
- learn some ways Maya promote their cultural heritage in contemporary social movements
- explore an aspect of Maya lifeways that interests you
Optional Supplementary Reading
Required Reading/Viewing is embedded in the module. If you are interested in, here are two chapters from Maya Art and Architecture by Miller and O'Neil. They are art historians, and provide an accessible discussion about Mayan monuments.
- Ch 3 Building The Maya World.pdf Download Ch 3 Building The Maya World.pdf
- Ch 5 Makers and Modelers.pdf Download Ch 5 Makers and Modelers.pdf
Due Dates
By 11:59pm Monday: Watch the lecture called, “The Maya and Centralized Authority.” Complete the Pre-Viewing Activity: Post a Question.
By 11:59pm Tuesday: Read the article, “The Cos-Maya-politan Future” by Llanes-Ortiz and post your initial post for Discussion 1, which is about the article.
By 11:59pm Wednesday: Nothing due! Work ahead!
By 11:59pm Thursday: Post your initial post for Discussion 2. Post two peer responses in Discussion 1.
By 11:59pm Friday: Submit the Discussion 2 Follow-up Assignment. Complete the Modules 5 and 6 Quiz.
By 11:59pm Saturday: (No peer responses are required for Discussion 2.)