SBS 348: Maya Civilization (MLO 3/Fall 2014)
Course Description
Examines the art, ideology, society, and culture of the ancient Maya dynastic tradition in comparative and cross-cultural terms and from the perspective of landmark archaeological projects, ethnohistorical studies, and glyph interpretation. Studies their respective significance in deciphering the larger Maya life way. Will review recent advancements in Maya glyph translation, astronomy, calendrical computation, as well as the literary, artistic, and historical traditions as conveyed through ancient texts and monuments.
Reflective Narrative
A magnificent civilization know as the Mayan was once found in Central America. The studying of this once grandiose collection of city-states, some powerful, some weak, has given me the ability to see how one civilization can rise and fall. Their mastery in the art of architecture, city planning, and astronomy, and how ultimately all of these concepts were connected with one another goes beyond fascination. The means to their demise has not yet been fully agreed upon by the academic community, but it is clear that due to circumstance, both externally and internally, that their culture collapsed within the span of one century. Primarily because of outside Western influences, almost all of their history was destroyed save a couple documents which would later revive curiosity about this ancient culture.
Because the professor of the class intimately worked with some of the primary sources from the Maya, we were able to analyze real artifacts from the dig sites and deduce their purpose within Mayan society. My final project took a look at both male and female leaders who manipulated their way into leadership by using the basic facets of their culture to their advantage.
As I have stated in other summaries, the understanding of history can serve us in the comprehension of our world, and both ancient and modern history are equally relevant. Mayan civilization is not related to the major I study, but it is always important to note the significance any culture may have had towards the world-at-large. Because of my continuing interest in international relations and politics, I hope to continue to study countries who are related to Japan, such as those within the Pacific Rim region. Understanding and acknowledging the past is absolutely quintessential to someone who wishes to become a translator or interpreter for a place like the United Nations.
Examines the art, ideology, society, and culture of the ancient Maya dynastic tradition in comparative and cross-cultural terms and from the perspective of landmark archaeological projects, ethnohistorical studies, and glyph interpretation. Studies their respective significance in deciphering the larger Maya life way. Will review recent advancements in Maya glyph translation, astronomy, calendrical computation, as well as the literary, artistic, and historical traditions as conveyed through ancient texts and monuments.
Reflective Narrative
A magnificent civilization know as the Mayan was once found in Central America. The studying of this once grandiose collection of city-states, some powerful, some weak, has given me the ability to see how one civilization can rise and fall. Their mastery in the art of architecture, city planning, and astronomy, and how ultimately all of these concepts were connected with one another goes beyond fascination. The means to their demise has not yet been fully agreed upon by the academic community, but it is clear that due to circumstance, both externally and internally, that their culture collapsed within the span of one century. Primarily because of outside Western influences, almost all of their history was destroyed save a couple documents which would later revive curiosity about this ancient culture.
Because the professor of the class intimately worked with some of the primary sources from the Maya, we were able to analyze real artifacts from the dig sites and deduce their purpose within Mayan society. My final project took a look at both male and female leaders who manipulated their way into leadership by using the basic facets of their culture to their advantage.
As I have stated in other summaries, the understanding of history can serve us in the comprehension of our world, and both ancient and modern history are equally relevant. Mayan civilization is not related to the major I study, but it is always important to note the significance any culture may have had towards the world-at-large. Because of my continuing interest in international relations and politics, I hope to continue to study countries who are related to Japan, such as those within the Pacific Rim region. Understanding and acknowledging the past is absolutely quintessential to someone who wishes to become a translator or interpreter for a place like the United Nations.
Maya Civilization Final Paper | |
File Size: | 285 kb |
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