3.00 Credits
This course introduces the student to the unique intellectual and cultural achievements of the Native Civilizations of Central and South America prior to the arrival of the Spanish. Two thirds of the course concentrates on Mesoamerica, especially the Aztecs and the Maya. One third on South America, with an emphasis on the civilizations of Peru. The variety of cultural developments, including their great time depth, social, political, economic, and artistic achievements as revealed through archaeological exploration, are explored.