SEMINARS SPRING 2008
HONR 216 In Search of Ancient Astronomies
Tuesday, 7:00-9:30 p.m. (0101)
Wednesday, 7:00-9:30 p.m. (0102)
Dr. John Carlson, Senior Lecturer in University Honors; Director, Center
for Archeoastronomy
People from all places and times have sought to create a predictable, constructive relationship with their environment. Links between the cyclical manifestations of the heavens, the seasons, and the periodic functions of the human body have been interrelated in many creative ways by different cultures over the millennia.
In this seminar we will explore some of the indigenous astronomical systems and cosmologies which ancient peoples developed to help them understand their world. We will explore the astronomies of the Aztecs and Mayas of Mesomerica, of the Andean civilizations such as the Incas of Peru, and of North American tribes such as the Pawnee and the Pueblos of the Southwest. Also, we will seek inspirations and comparisons from a selection of cultures and cosmological traditions of the Far East (China and Japan), the Near East, Egypt, Oceania and the Megalith Builders of Europe. An examination of pyramid building around the world will be one particular side trip. Appropriate astronomical background (naked-eye astronomy) will be provided early in the semester. We will also look at the different methods that have been used to ask questions about astronomical practices. We will explore examples of our own astronomical lore and mythology, such as the planetary gods of our seven-day week, as well as our calendar system and its origin.
The specific content of the course and possible field activities, such as measuring the alignment of a building, establishing a "horizon calendar," and visiting the Einstein planetarium at the National Air and Space Museum will depend on the interests and directions of the members of the class.
Reading List selections may include:
Aveni: Skywatchers of Ancient Mexico
Carlson: Archeoastronomy: Selected Readings
Chamberlain: When Stars Come Down to Earth: Cosmology of the Skidi Pawnee
Indians of North America
Krupp: In Search of Ancient Astronomies
Krupp: Skywatchers, Shamans and Kings
CORE: Humanities [HO] Diversity [D
