12 double-spaced pages.
This paper can go two ways.
Topic of research will be the Maya civilization, discussing it in the context of the Mesoamerican culture concerning the pre-Columbian period. The research will include the development of Mayan civilization in the context of the geographical area and timeline, its politics, organization of the society, warfare, trade, art, and architecture. Concerning geographical area, the paper will dwell on the territory of the Mayan Civilization in Mexico, Northern, and Central America.
The Mayan political organization will be examined on states, chiefdoms and the political complexity. This will be tied to rivalries, alliances and the achievement of regional dominance. About society, the sharp division between the elites and the commoners will be paramount. Again, the research will be examining warfare in the Maya world concerning military campaigns, the control of trade routes as well as weaponry. Being key to the development of the civilization, the trade will be covered regarding routes, commodities, marketplaces as well as trade items. Then, Mayan art and architecture will be examined on structures and the design of cities. Hence, the understanding of the Mayan culture and society will be complete with regard to the Mesoamerican culture.
Here are some materials for the research but more is encouraged:
Culbert, T. P., & Jay I. Kislak Reference Collection (Library of Congress). (1993). Maya
civilization. Montreal: St. Remy Press.
Estrada-Belli, F., (2010). The First Maya Civilization: Ritual and Power Before the Classic Period. New York: Routledge.
Foster, L. V. (2005). Handbook to Life in the Ancient Maya World (New ed.). New York:
Oxford University Press.
Guernsey, J. (2006). Ritual and Power in Stone: The Performance of Rulership in
Mesoamerican Izapan Style Art. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press.
Holm, K. C. (2012). Everyday life in the Maya civilization. New York, NY: PowerKids Press.
Joel, P. (2006). Mayan Culture Past and Present. Book Links, 16(1), 59-63.
Here’s the fine print…