HONR 218A In Search of Ancient Astronomies
Tuesday, 6:30-9:00 p.m. (section 0102)
Wednesday, 6:30-9:00 p.m. (section 0101)
Dr. John Carlson, Lecturer in University Honors; Director, Center for Archeoastronomy

All peoples, from hunter-gatherer bands to state-level societies, develop some view of who and what they are and how they fit into the universe as they perceive it. Each individual also has his own evolving personal world-view or cosmology created from his cultural background and personal experiences.

In this seminar, we will explore our own personal cosmologies in light of (1) our contemporary core Western scientific world-view and (2) a selection of other ancient and indigenous cosmovisions. Some of these other traditions to be explored in class and through individual research might include those of the Maya or Aztec of Mesoamerica, the Inca of Peru, the ancient Egyptians or Chinese. One central goal is that we will better understand our own cosmologies if we understand the cosmologies of our ancestors and other cultures very far removed from our own.

The perspective we take is from the interdiscipline of Archaeoastronomy, the study of the astronomical practices, celestial lore, mythologies, religions and cosmologies of all ancient and indigenous peoples. This is essentially an Anthropology of Astronomy in contrast to the more traditional field of History of Astronomy which deals largely with (a) the Western tradition, (b) textual sources, and (c) looks at astronomy as part of Western science. Our studies are interdisciplinary and often cooperative, where astronomers, archaeologists, art historians, classical scholars, anthropologists or geographers will work together to solve problems that each individual might not be equipped to deal with on his own. We consciously take a broad view of our subject including studies of calendars, mathematics, geometry, counting systems, numerology, navigation techniques, surveying, architectural canons, urban planning and geomancy (the analysis of the ritual landscape) as well as astronomies and cosmologies. Through readings and writing assignments, the students are encouraged to critically evaluate knowledge gained through interdisciplinary research.

HONR 218A also involves some instruction in naked-eye astronomy and a view of the ancient skies which includes a class visit to the Einstein Planetarium at the National Air and Space Museum.

Selected Reading List:
Martin Rees, Before the Beginning: Our Universe and Others
Jared Diamond, The Third Chimpanzee
E.C. Krupp, Skywatchers, Shamans and Kings
-----In Search of Ancient Astronomies
J.B. Carlson, America's Ancient Skywatchers, National Geographic Magazine: March 1990

CORE--Humanities [HO] and Diversity [D]

Comments and questions may be directed to dhebert@deans.umd.edu