Universität Wien

010087 VU Introduction to the Religions of Ancient Mesoamerica (2026S)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 1 - Theologien und Religionswiss.
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
Fr 17.04. 08:00-18:15 Seminarraum 7 Hauptgebäude, Tiefparterre Stiege 9 Hof 5

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Details

Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Saturday 18.04. 08:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 7 Hauptgebäude, Tiefparterre Stiege 9 Hof 5

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course offers a general introduction into the religions of ancient (pre-colonial) Mesoamerica. No previous geographical and/or historical knowledge of the area is required. The aim is to walk the students through the main themes – gods and other beings, sacred kingship and the role of religious authorities, sacred time-space (including the introduction to Mesoamerican calendars and calendric divination), worship and rituals, and the presence of religion in the landscape and architecture. The course has an extensive visual content and the students will be encouraged to learn to interpret it. Special attention will be given to some controversial topics such as the problem of the (im)personal character of Mesoamerican gods, the issue of Mesoamerican (specifically Maya) shamanism and/or altered states of consciousness, and the question of Mesoamerican (specifically Aztec) philosophy.

Contents

1. Introduction to Mesoamerican geography and history. Introduction to the main cultures (Olmec, Teotihuacan, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtex, Aztec, and others). Languages and writing systems, available primary sources. Mesoamerican religions throughout history.
2. The question of Mesoamerican “pantheons.” Overview of the debate of the impersonal “sacred energies” (teotl, itz, etc.). Main Mesoamerican gods in comparative perspective – phenomena related to maize, earth, rain, sun, war, fire, death, and underworld.
3. Mesoamerican religion and society. Religious political legitimisation, ancestor worship and gods-ancestors, tribal migration myths, and the role of gods and god-bearers. Ritual god impersonators. Mesoamerican priesthood.
4. Mesoamerican cosmology, astronomy/astrology, time computing, and wisdom tradition. The sacred time-space of Mesoamerica. Horizontal and vertical planes of the world. Calendars, divination, astrology, and astronomy. Creation mythologies. The question of Mesoamerican philosophy.
5. Worship, rituals, and other religious practices. The structure of public festivities. Processions, music, drama, dance. Hermeneutics of Mesoamerican sacrifice. Offerings, incense burning, and other practices. Mesoamerican ballgame. Period endings. The question of Mesoamerican shamanism and altered states of consciousness.
6. Mesoamerican religions in space. Mountains, caves, cenotes. Religion in the Mesoamerican cities: pyramids, ritual platforms, ballcourts, tombs.

Methods

Lectures, class discussion, visual material interpretation

Assessment and permitted materials

Final essay (50%); active participation in lessons (20%); review (30 %)

The course instructor decides whether and which AI may be used in class or when writing academic papers. The details will be announced in the course and will be agreed upon with the students. In the event of suspicion of non-transparent or unauthorised use of AI, the course management reserves the right to hold a "grade-relevant discussion". The purpose of this grade-relevant discussion is to ensure that the student is able to complete the seminar paper independently. If the discussion reveals that the student is unable to provide sufficient information on the content, methods, sources used or conclusions of the seminar paper, the seminar paper will be assessed negatively. If it emerges during the interview that unauthorised aids have been used, a procedure under study law will be initiated due to the use of unauthorised aids. Otherwise, the assessment originally intended by the course instructor will be retained.

Further information can be found in the current guidelines of the University of Vienna on dealing with AI: https://doi.org/10.25365/phaidra.544 and in the guidelines of the KTF: https://ssc-kaththeologie.univie.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/s_ktf/2019/Im_Studium/Leitlinien_KI_der_KTF_Endfassung.pdf

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

To ensure that the teaching and learning objectives are met, attendance at this course is compulsory. Students may miss up to two 90-minute sessions. If students are unable to attend additional lessons, they must provide credible reasons for their absence.

Final essay (50%); active participation in lessons (20%); review (30 %)

The written assignments has to be submitted until 31 July.

If the final essay receives a negative assessment, it will be returned to the student for improvement.

Examination topics

Course topics and material.

Reading list

Carrasco, David: Religions of Mesoamerica, Waveland Press 2013.
Taube, Karl, and Mary Ellen Miller: An Illustrated Dictionary of the Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya, Thames and Hudson 1993.
Taube, Karl: Aztec and Maya Myths, British Museum Press, University of Texas Press 1993.

Association in the course directory

066 800 Version 2025W: M1 VU zu historischer Religion; auslaufende Version 066 800: M2.6, M15; 033 195 (17W) BRP 10rwb (statt VU zu Ostasiatischen Religionen ODER VO zu Religionen Afrikas ODER VO zu Afroamerikanischen Religionen), BRP 17rwb (VU Vorlesung mit Übung zu einem Thema der speziellen Religionsgeschichte)

Last modified: Fr 13.02.2026 14:25