Religion in Sixteenth Century Mexico

Instructor: Dr. Cheryl Claassen
February 27, 29 , March 1
1-3 p.m.

In the first session of this course we will cover the doctrine and practice of religion in 15th Century “Spain” where a rather unique Catholicism and set of laws were in place. Columbus was an ardent practitioner of Spanish Catholicism. In the second session, religious beliefs and practices of the peoples of central Mexico, particularly the Aztecs who added many beliefs as they migrated southward, will be presented. In the final session, the organization of the missionizing effort in New Spain and the overlay of some 15 specific shared Catholic and Mesoamerican beliefs will be explored. Slides will be used in class and electronic reading materials will be provided.

Dr. Cheryl Claassen is Research Professor of Anthropology, Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She earned her Ph.D. at Harvard University. She teaches courses in the areas of Archaeology, North American Archaeology, Mesoamerican Cultures, Pre-Columbian Symbolism, Mexican Art and Culture, North American Indians, Archaeological Theory, and Mexican Culture and Archaeology.