Fall 2004

ANT 392Q • Intro to Grad Anthro: Theoretical Readings on Mesoamerica & the American Southwest

Course Description

The theoretical foundations and development of historical materialism will be examined through the critical assessment of archaeological and historical literature. Exploring theoretical and applied goals shared by archaeology and social anthropology will be the emphasis of the course. An overview of the history of thought within Mesoamerican research will be examined, followed with an exploration of ethnohistorical and historical ethnographic methods and theory.

The American Southwest and ancient and modern Mesoamerica (Mexico and Central America) will be the emphasis of the geographical areas. Shifting political boundaries will exemplify how cultural landscapes change over time and space. This is one of the six core courses in Anthropology. Contact the department for permission to register for this course.

Texts

Tentative Readings: Richard Adams, Mesoamerica Bonfil Batalla, Mexico Profundo Michel-Rolph Trouillot, Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History Nopolitano, Valentina and Xochitl Leyva Solano, Encuentros Antropologicos: Power, Identity, and Mobility in Mexican Society A short reader will also be required.

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