Prerequisites

None required.

Content (Syllabus outline)

1. Mesoamerican cultures, introduction:

• Mesoamerica: definition and common characteristics of the cultural area;
• Mesoamerica: natural environment and cultural development;
• Survey of basic characteristics of Mesoamerican cultures (economic basis, social structure, political organization, religion, exact knowledge, architecture, art, etc.).

2. Cosmology in a cultural context:

• Definition of cosmology;
• Cosmology and related terms (cosmogony, worldview);
• The relationship between cosmology, science, and religion;
• The dependence of cosmological concepts on a specific natural environment and cultural context.

3. Historical and mythical time in Mesoamerica:

• Orientation in time; significance of observation of the sky;
• Time measurement, the calendrical system;
• Linear and cyclical time;
• Astronomical knowledge, utilitarian aspects;
• The relation between astronomy and astrology;
• Cosmogony in myths and archaeological evidence;

4. The conceptual relationship of time and space:

• Astronomically significant directions as spatial indicators of the course of time;
• Structure of the world/cosmos, cosmograms;
• Cosmology in religion and ritual;
• Observational bases of beliefs, attributes of deities, and ritual acts;

5. Material correlates of cosmological concepts:

• Cosmological symbolism in architecture, burials, and small artefacts;
• Urban layouts as cosmograms;
• Astronomical orientations in architecture: practical and symbolic significance;
• Cosmological elements of cultural landscape (“sacred geography”).

6. The social role of cosmological concepts:

• Ordering and interpretation of the world and humans’ place therein;
• Practical significance of understanding regularities in nature (scheduling of activities in the yearly cycle, efficiency of subsistence strategies, etc.);
• The role of cosmology in complex societies: knowledge as an instrument of domination and legitimation of power;
• Transformation of beliefs into political ideology;
• Comparative aspects and generalizations: comparison with other ancient civilizations.

Readings

• Bolle, K. W., Cosmology. V: M. Eliade, ur., Encyclopedia of Religions, vol. 4: 100-107.
• Jaki, S. L., Science and religion. V: M. Eliade, ur., Encyclopedia of Religions, vol.4 : 121-133.
• Brady, J. E. – W. Ashmore, 1999, Mountains, caves, water: ideational landscapes of the ancient Maya, v: Wendy Ashmore – A. Bernard Knapp, ur., Archaeologies of landscape, Oxford: Blackwell, 124-145.
• Aveni, Anthony F., 2001. Skywatchers: A revised and updated version of Skywatchers of ancient Mexico, Austin: University of Texas Press.
• Verdet, Jean-Pierre, 1996, Nebo: Red in nered, Ljubljana: DZS (prev.: M. Veselko; orig.: Le ciel: Ordre et désordre, Paris: Gallimard Jeunesse, 1987).
• Carlson, J. B., 1981, A geomantic model for the interpretation of Mesoamerican sites: an essay in cross-cultural comparison. V: E. P. Benson, ur., Mesoamerican sites and world-views, Washington: Dumbarton Oaks, 143-215.
• Sosa, J. R., 1989, Cosmological, symbolic and cultural complexity among the contemporary Maya of Yucatan. V: A. F. Aveni, ur., World archaeoastronomy, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 130-142.
• Villa Rojas, A., 1986. Apéndice I: Los conceptos de espacio y tiempo entre los grupos mayances contemporáneos. V: M. León-Portilla, Tiempo y realidad en el pensamiento maya, México: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 119-167.
• Adams, R. E. W., M. J. MacLeod, eds. 2000. The Cambridge History of the Native Peoples of the Americas, Vol. II: Mesoamerica, Parts 1 & 2. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Šprajc, I., 2018, Astronomy, architecture, and landscape in prehispanic Mesoamerica. Journal of Archaeological Research 26 (2): 197-251.

Objectives and competences

This course familiarizes students with the cosmological concepts of pre-Hispanic peoples of Mesoamerica, as well as cultural manifestations or aspects of life in which these ideas are contained or reflected. A summary of what is currently known in this respect and a survey of studies that have led to specific results should also exemplify methodological approaches that have been applied, allow a proper assessment of their utility in this kind of research, and illustrate the relevance of what they have learned for a holistic understanding of the structure and functioning of past societies.

Intended learning outcomes:

Understanding of

• development of Mesoamerican cultures;
• cosmological concepts and their relationship with environmental peculiarities and cultural context;
• relevant concepts of spherical astronomy;
• methodology appropriate for studying cosmology and worldview

Learning and teaching methods:

Types of learning/teaching:

• Frontal teaching
• Independent students work
• e-learning

Teaching methods:

• Explanation
• Conversation/discussion/debate
• Case studies

Assessment

Short written assignment (20 %), presentation (20 %), final examination (written/oral) (60 %).