Anthropology of Latin America

This course is a survey of the indigenous societies of South America, Central America, and Mexico. Course subject matter will be addressed from an archaeological and cultural anthropological perspective and will include: a review of traditional lifeways of indigenous cultures in different regions of Latin America (including social organization, political structure, economy, and belief systems); an analysis of the impact and effect of European contact and policy on indigenous peoples, including assimilation strategies and resistance movements; and an examination of in Latin American societies today, including contemporary issues, patterns of change, and the maintenance of various traditional practices.