Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Universidad Anáhuac

Maya Culture in Yucatan

Universidad Anáhuac via edX

Overview

Explore the essence of one of Latin America’s most significant civilizations: the Mayans. This course takes you on a journey through the key elements of Mayan culture in Yucatán, offering essential insights into their society, history, religion, the role of women, traditions, attire, and architecture, along with the enduring legacies that remain today.

Dive into the heart of their development in the Yucatán Peninsula, home to iconic archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Edzná, and Calakmul. This remarkable civilization that made these lands their own, left an indelible mark on history.

You’ll explore the Mayans’ worldview, their religious beliefs, their unique numerical and writing systems, and their intricate calendars. Delve into the various theories about their decline following the arrival of the Spanish.

Learn how the descendants of this ancient culture live today, how they’ve preserved their heritage, and the challenges they face in modern Yucatán. Be inspired and join us on this fascinating journey!

Syllabus

Módulo 1: Origen, desarrollo y declive de los mayas.

  1. The Origin of the Maya Civilization
  2. Maya Regions and Influential Zones
  3. The Development of the Maya Civilization on the Peninsula
  4. Pre-Hispanic Cities in Yucatán
  5. Reasons for the decline
  6. Maya Chiefdoms During the Arrival of the Spaniards
  7. The Impact of the Conquest on Maya Civilization
  8. Sources of Information about the Ancient Mayans
  9. Maya Hieroglyphic Writing

Módulo 2: Sociedad y religión de la cultura maya.

  1. Class Division and the Pyramidal Structure of Mayan Society
  2. Supreme Lords: The Bridge Between Gods and Mortals
  3. The role of women among the Maya
  4. Men and gods connected with nature
  5. The syncretism of the conquest
  6. The Maya Arithmetic and Writing
  7. The Maya Calendar
  8. Interview with Dr. John Chuchiak.
  9. Interview with Dr. Tsubasa Okoshi

Módulo 3: Arquitectura

  1. Architectural beginnings
  2. Monumental Architecture among the Maya
  3. Key Architectural Elements of Maya Buildings
  4. The Puuc Architectural Style
  5. The Architectural Style of Chenes and Río Bec
  6. The Central Mexican Architectural Style
  7. Nature and Architectural Materials

Módulo 4: El impacto de la conquista.

  1. Beginnings of the Maya resistance
  2. Dominion Over Yucatán
  3. Montejo and the Xius: Enduring Alliances
  4. Nachi Cocom
  5. The great Maya rebellion of 5 Cimi and 19 Xul
  6. Fray Diego de Landa: The Holocaust of the Mayan Culture
  7. Jacinto Canek and the Cisteil Uprising
  8. The Caste War: A Last Chance for Rebellion
  9. A Cross Speaks Among the Jungle: The Resistance of the Cruzoob
  10. Enduring Wounds

Módulo 5: Los Mayas de hoy.

  1. Summary of the Population, Geography, and Social Situation of Contemporary Mayas
  2. Society and Discrimination
  3. Rituals That Persist Despite Time
  4. Champions of the Environment
  5. The current traditional attire
  6. Maya Literature
  7. Maya Literature (Part Two)
  8. Settling a Debt

Reviews

Start your review of Maya Culture in Yucatan

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.