C-ID Descriptor
Art of the Ancient Americas

None

None

Completion of or concurrent enrollment in English Composition (C-ID ENGL 100)

The course will give consideration to Mesoamerica (Mexico and Central America) and South America.

Mesoamerica:
Olmec
Cultures of Middle to Late Formative
West Mexico
Teotihuacan
Zapotec
Classic Maya
Classic Veracruz
Toltec
Aztec
Spanish Contact 

South America:
Pre-Ceramic Period
Chavin
Paracas
Nasca
Moche
Tiwanaku
Wari
Chimú
Inca
European Contact

Order and emphasis of core topics may vary from instructor to instructor.

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Identify, examine, and assess representative works of art and architecture from the art historical periods covered in this course employing appropriate art historical terminology
2. Analyze, discuss, and differentiate works of art and architecture in terms of historical context and cultural values
3. Analyze, discuss, and distinguish the roles of art, architecture, and the artist form the art historical periods covered in this course

Methods of evaluation will include:

1. Written essays, assignments and/or research projects
2. Essay component on an exam

Sample Textbooks and Recommended/Accessible OER

Textbooks

Coe, Michael D. and Rex Koontz. Mexico from the Olmecs to the Aztecs. Thames and Hudson

Miller, Mary. The Art of Mesoamerica from Olmec to Aztec. Thames and Hudson.

Stone-Miller, Rebecca. The Art of the Andes from Chavin to Inca. Thames and Hudson.

OER

Smarthistory’s (Khan Academy) materials/books (available online and to print out for free)

Smarthistory OER Commons

Smarthistory Reframing Art History (global perspectives) open access

Libretexts, Various