The Olmecs (the rubber people) were the first recorded incredible civilisation in Mesoamerica famous for their giant head carvings. This course will take you on a 2,500 year journey exploring the art and architecture of this region from the Olmec to the Aztec civilisation at the time of the Spanish Conquest. We will also explore the Maya, the Mixtec and the Zapotec as well as visiting the abandoned city of Teotihuacan (the city of the gods).
Course aim
This course will take you through 2,500 years of art and architecture in Mesoamerica from the Olmecs to the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs. You will also learn about the gods and rituals of these civilisations.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is for beginners
- This course is for improvers
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- to become more knowledgeable on the art & architecture of Mesoamerican civilisations.
- Distinguish the difference between each cultures' artwork.
- learn something about their gods and religion.
- be able to identify pictograms in the codices.
- know which civilisation was in power at different times.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- You will be able to keep a record of your progress and achievement using photos, audio, text or documents uploaded into the WEA’s digital learning platform, WEA Canvas.
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- You will need a personal email address to join the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas so that you can receive resources, record your progress and achievement and to work with others and share ideas. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- All materials will be provided
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
- No pre reading is required but research on the subject on the internet or in the library may be helpful
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
Download full course information sheet
