[Aztlan] Help with course title "The Architecture of ..."

[Benjamin Carter]

Diane,

It sounds like "Mesoamerica" is the term you want. How about 'The 
Architecture of PreColumbian, Colonial and Modern Mesoamerica"?

Cheers,
Ben Carter

On 1/25/2010 9:07 AM, Diane Shaw wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I'm having trouble coming up with an accurate course title and would
> appreciate your input. Maybe we can even have some fun with it.
>
> I teach architectural history in an architecture department.  The course
> in question focuses on the architectural history of mostly Mexico and
> Guatemala during three eras: PreColumbian, Spanish Colonial, and 20th C
> Modernism and Identity Politics. Every title I come up with is too
> cumbersome or outright wrong (complete the title "The Architecture of
> ...").  For example, "Mostly Mexico and Guatemala" is just dumb.  To my
> students, "Central America" connotes the south of US focus, but is of
> course wrong given Mexico is in North America.  "Latin America" is wrong,
> given the PreColumbian era and the indigenous peoples focus that runs
> through the whole course. And let's not even get into all things I don't
> cover that could also be assumed within any of those titles.  But in an
> era of soundbites and practical colloquialisms, course titles need to be
> short.  (Hey, I'm not even striving for catchy!)
>
> My training is in architectural history, where these three periods are not
> linked.  I think that most Mayanists wouldn't touch Barragan and vice
> versa but I've found the three-era focus works very well in developing a
> richer context and particular themes.
>
> Please forgive any cross-postings.  Thanks for all advice.
>
> Diane Shaw
> School of Architecture
> Carnegie Mellon University
>
>
>
>
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