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I. Introduction to Mesoamerican Art
A. Geography
1. How to define Mesoamerica
2. Lowlands vs. Highlands
B. Chronology
1. Chronological markers vs. descriptive terms
2. Indigenous calendars
C. Materials and resources
1. Jade, obsidian, feathers, and pigments
D. Trade and connections with neighboring regions
1. Caribbean, American Southwest, and South America
II. Olmec Art
A. Beginnings of Mesoamerican cultures: Early, Middle, and Late Formative art
1. Stylistic qualities of Olmec art
2. Colossal sculpture: altars and colossal heads
a. Portraiture and human face
B. Location: Gulf Coast of Mexico/ States of Veracruz, and Tabasco
1. Important sites: San Lorenzo, La Venta, and Tres Zapotes
2. Role of ceremonial centers
3. Ceramic tradition
C. Stylistic influence on Oaxaca and neighboring cultures
III. Art of the Zapotecs
A. Late Formative Art in the Valley of Oaxaca
1. Stelae and effigy vases
B. Architecture
1. Important sites: Monte Alban, Lambityeco, and Yagul
2. Temples and tombs
IV. The Art of Teotihuacan
A. Urban culture and the rise of the city-state
1. Valley of Mexico, Central Highlands
B. Architecture
1. Pyramid of the Sun
2. Pyramid of the Moon
3. Temple of the Feathered Serpent
C. Painting
1. Murals
2. Talud-Tablero
D. Sculpture, ceramics, masks, and decorative arts
E. Stylistic qualities of Teotihuacano art and cross-cultural influences with Classic Maya art
V. Mayan Art
A. Geographic expanse
1.Southern Mexico
2. Northern Central America
3. Internal and external relationships
B. Chronology
1. Late pre-Classic
2. Classic
3. Post-Classic
C. Important city-states
1. Tikal, Guatemala
2. Copan, Honduras
3. Palenque, Mexico
4. Uxmal, Mexico
D. Hieroglyphic language and calendars
E. Stylistic qualities of Classic Mayan art
1. Sculpture
2. Painting
a. Bonampak, Mexico
b. Calakmul, Mexico
3. Ceramics
F. Architecture
1. Pyramids
2. Ball courts
G. Funerary equipment and offerings
VI. Mesoamerican Art after the Fall of Classic Mayan Cities
A. Seibal
B. Cacaxtla and Xochicalco
C. Mitla
D. Huastecs
E. Toltecs
1. War, death, and sacrifice themes
2. Symbols of eagles and jaguars
3. Use of metal and gold
F. Tula
G. Chichen Itza
H. Tulum
VII. Mexica (Aztec) Art
A. Architecture and urban planning
1. Tenochtitlan
B. Sculpture
C. Ceramics
D. Decorative arts
E. Stylistic qualities of Aztec art
1. Integration of religion, war, and sacrifice in art
F. Spanish invasion and post-contact art
1. Codices and manuscripts
VIII. Introduction to Andean Art
A. Geography
1. Northern, Central, and Southern Andes
2. Coastal Peru, Highland Peru, and Titicaca region
3. Role of the environment and landscape on Andean art
B. Chronology
1. Horizons and Intermediate Periods
C. Aesthetic styles: collectivity, duality, transformation, and symbolism
IX. Earliest Andean Art
A. Lithic Period
B. Pre-Ceramic Period
1. Fiber and textile arts
C. Initial Period
1. Architecture
2. Sculpture
X. Chavin Art
A. Late Initial Period
1. Old Temple at Chavin de Huantar
B. Early Horizon Period
1. New Temple at Chavin de Huantar
C. Architecture
1. U-shaped structures, pyramids, and sunken courtyards
D. Iconography
1. Deities, animals, composite humans, shamans in transformation
E. Impact of Chavin style on later styles of the Paracas, Moche, Wari, and Tiwanaku
XI. Art of the Paracas
A. Stylistic similarities and differences with Chavin art
1. Role of naturalism in Paracas art
B. Ceramics, textiles, goldwork
C. Subterranean tombs and mummy bundles
XII. Nasca Art
A. Stylistic qualities of Nasca art and their relationship to art of Chavin and Paracas
B. Ceramics, textiles, and goldwork
C. Earthworks
XIII. Moche Art
A. Regional stylistic differences between the North and South Coasts
B. Adobe brick architecture
1. Cerro Blanco
C. Tombs
1. Sipan
D. Ceramics
1. Portrait vessels
XIV. Tiwanaku and Wari Art
A. Stylistic qualities of Tiwanaku and Wari art
1. Imperial styles
B. Stylistic similarities and differences between Tiwanaku vs. Wari art
C. Architecture, sculpture, goldwork, ceramics, and fiber arts
XV. Chimu Art
A. Overview of the Late Intermediate Peiod Styles
1. Chimu, Sican, Chimor, Chan Chan, Chancay, Pachacamac, and Ica
B. Influence of geography upon artistic styles
C. Ceramics, textiles, and metalwork
XVI. Incan Art
A. Empire building and artistic styles
B. Stonework
1. Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Saqsa Waman, Ollantaytambo
C. Textiles, metalwork, and ceramics
D. Spanish invasion and aftermath