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Federico von Borstel

This course is on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá. Chichén Itzá, mouth of the well of the Itza, is considered to have been the most important site in the Yucatan during the Late to Post Classic 600-1250 AD. It is an amazing and imposing site that grew in the tropical rainforests of the Yucatan Peninsula. Strategically located in the crossroads of important Sacbes it grew to become a center of commerce, religion and astronomy. The Temple of Kukulcan features a unique and awe inspiring astronomical event triggered by the Equinoxes.  Welcome. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

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This course is on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá. Chichén Itzá, mouth of the well of the Itza, is considered to have been the most important site in the Yucatan during the Late to Post Classic 600-1250 AD. It is an amazing and imposing site that grew in the tropical rainforests of the Yucatan Peninsula. Strategically located in the crossroads of important Sacbes it grew to become a center of commerce, religion and astronomy. The Temple of Kukulcan features a unique and awe inspiring astronomical event triggered by the Equinoxes.  Welcome. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

This course is designed under the premise that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution.

The design, development and application of educational systems based on the educational principles of evolution generates a philosophy and methodology of education in synchrony with the evolutionary education system that is firmly and deeply rooted in each of us.

Education for evolution is an educational system designed to help propel humans forward in the natural course of evolution. The purpose of education for evolution is to enhance and strengthen the natural evolutionary process of humans through the mechanism of education. The means to achieve this objective is the design of a curricula based on the same educational techniques and strategies used by natural evolution, enhanced and guided by the application of conscious educational decisions.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The maya city of chichén itzá
  • The course enhances human development.
  • The course promotes self-learning.
  • The course seeks to enrich your life experience.

Syllabus

Chichen Itza 6
Introduction
Chichen Itza 2
Chichen Itza 3
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores Chichén Itzá, which is considered to have been the most important Maya site in the Yucatan during the Late to Post Classic period
Examines the strategic location of Chichén Itzá at the crossroads of important Sacbes, highlighting its growth as a center of commerce, religion, and astronomy
Features the Temple of Kukulcan and its unique astronomical event triggered by the Equinoxes, offering insights into Maya astronomy and calendrical systems
Promotes self-learning and seeks to enrich your life experience, aligning with the idea that education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations
Much of the graphic material is taken or generated first hand directly on site, which may help learners visualize the site and its features
Presents an introduction to Chichen Itza, but does not explicitly state any prerequisites or assumed knowledge, which may be challenging for some learners

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Reviews summary

Exploring the maya city of chichén itzá

According to learners, this course offers a look into the ancient Maya city of Chichén Itzá, covering its historical importance and architectural highlights. Students often praise the engaging subject matter itself. While the course delves into the site's history and significance, some reviews suggest the course structure and philosophical learning objectives might differ from traditional academic formats. It appears to be best suited for those seeking a general overview and enriching experience rather than in-depth archaeological study.
Instructor's approach is based on evolutionary learning.
"The instructor's unique approach to teaching was interesting, focusing on 'education for evolution'."
"I was intrigued by the philosophical angle on learning."
"The emphasis on self-learning and personal development was different from other courses I've taken."
Provides a broad introduction rather than deep academic detail.
"This course provides a solid overview, perfect for someone like me who is just starting to learn about Maya history."
"It's a good starting point, but I wish it went into more depth on certain topics."
"If you're looking for an academic deep dive, this might not be it, but for a general introduction it's great."
Appeals more to general interest learners.
"As someone interested in history and travel, this course was perfect for my personal interest."
"This feels designed for lifelong learners who want to enrich their knowledge, which I appreciate."
"Not a career-focused course, but excellent for cultural enrichment and personal growth."
The subject matter is inherently interesting and engaging.
"The history and architecture of Chichen Itza are absolutely captivating."
"I enjoyed learning about the significance of this incredible ancient city."
"The subject matter itself kept me engaged throughout the course."
Module titles are generic, potentially unclear.
"The module titles ('Chichen Itza 6', etc.) weren't very descriptive of the content within."
"It was sometimes difficult to anticipate the specific topic based on the section names."
"A more detailed syllabus or clearer module names would be helpful for navigation."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Maya City of Chichén Itzá with these activities:
Reading: The History of the Maya
Gain a broader understanding of Maya civilization to better appreciate the significance of Chichén Itzá.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The History of the Maya'.
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to the Late to Post Classic periods.
  • Take notes on key aspects of Maya society, religion, and politics.
Reading: Maya Cosmos
Understand the Maya worldview and cosmology to better interpret the symbolism and meaning of Chichén Itzá's architecture.
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of 'Maya Cosmos'.
  • Read the book, paying close attention to the chapters on Maya cosmology and religion.
  • Reflect on how the Maya worldview influenced the design and function of Chichén Itzá.
Create a Timeline of Chichén Itzá
Solidify your understanding of the chronology of Chichén Itzá by creating a visual timeline of its major periods and events.
Show steps
  • Research the key periods and events in the history of Chichén Itzá.
  • Create a visual timeline using online tools or software.
  • Include dates, descriptions, and images for each event.
  • Share your timeline with other students for feedback.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Compile a Resource Guide to Chichén Itzá
Enhance your learning by creating a comprehensive resource guide for further exploration of Chichén Itzá.
Show steps
  • Gather relevant articles, websites, and videos about Chichén Itzá.
  • Organize the resources into categories such as history, architecture, and astronomy.
  • Write brief summaries of each resource and explain its relevance.
  • Share your resource guide with other students.
3D Model of El Castillo
Deepen your understanding of the architecture and astronomical significance of El Castillo by creating a 3D model.
Show steps
  • Gather detailed information about the dimensions and design of El Castillo.
  • Use 3D modeling software to create a virtual model of the pyramid.
  • Incorporate details such as the serpent's descent during the equinoxes.
  • Present your model and explain its architectural and astronomical features.
Write a Blog Post on the Equinox Phenomenon
Reinforce your understanding of the astronomical event at El Castillo by writing a blog post explaining the phenomenon.
Show steps
  • Research the astronomical alignment that causes the serpent's descent.
  • Write a blog post explaining the phenomenon in simple terms.
  • Include images and diagrams to illustrate the event.
  • Share your blog post on social media or a personal website.
Research Project: Chichén Itzá's Influence
Deepen your knowledge by researching the influence of Chichén Itzá on other Maya sites or cultures.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific aspect of Chichén Itzá's influence to research.
  • Gather information from academic sources and archaeological reports.
  • Write a research paper summarizing your findings.
  • Present your research to other students.

Career center

Learners who complete The Maya City of Chichén Itzá will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architectural Historian
An architectural historian studies the history of architecture. This course, focusing on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá, may be useful to an architectural historian because it includes discussion of the Temple of Kukulcan and other architectural features. The course may help an architectural historian understand the design and cultural significance of the city's structures. The course's focus on architecture that is tied to astronomical events may also be helpful.
Archaeologist
An archaeologist studies human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. This course, which focuses on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá, may be useful for an aspiring archaeologist seeking to build a foundation in the study of ancient civilizations. The course's emphasis on the site's history, its significance as a center of commerce, religion, and astronomy, and the unique architectural features of the Temple of Kukulcan may provide an appreciation of the intricacies of ancient societies.
Anthropologist
An anthropologist studies human societies and cultures and their development. This course on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá, provides a specific case study that may be useful to an anthropologist. The course examines the history, religious practices, commercial aspects, and astronomical knowledge of an ancient civilization. The course's focus on the site's role during the Late to Post Classic period, and its strategic location may provide a rich background on cultural development and societal structures.
Cultural Heritage Manager
A cultural heritage manager is responsible for the preservation and management of cultural heritage sites. This course, which focuses on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá, may be useful for cultural heritage manager. The course helps build a foundation in understanding the historical, architectural, and cultural significance of an important ancient site. It may also provide insight into the complexities of managing a site that was once a center of commerce, religion, and astronomy.
Museum curator
A museum curator manages museum collections and exhibitions. This course focusing on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá may be useful for a museum curator. The course provides a deep dive into the history, significance, and unique features of an important archaeological site. The course's exploration of Chichén Itzá as a center of commerce, religion, and astronomy and its discussion of the Temple of Kukulcan may be particularly relevant to curating exhibits on ancient civilizations. This class may also be helpful for a curator who wishes to prepare an exhibit related to the Pre-Columbian Americas.
Historian
A historian researches and interprets the past. This course will be particularly helpful to a historian who studies the Maya civilization. The course presents the Maya City of Chichén Itzá, as a major site during the Late to Post Classic period, and may provide a deep background in understanding its role as a center of commerce, religion, and astronomy. The course's exploration of the Temple of Kukulcan and its astronomical significance may also be helpful to historians focusing on the history of science and technology.
Travel Guide
A travel guide leads tours and provides information to travelers. This course, which focuses on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá, may be useful to a travel guide, especially those leading tours to Mexico. The course provides an in depth understanding of the history, the architecture, and the cultural significance of Chichén Itzá. The course's coverage of the Temple of Kukulcan and its astronomical features may also be helpful to a travel guide who seeks to enhance the travel experience with engaging facts about the destination.
Archival Researcher
An archival researcher works with historical records and documents. This course focuses exclusively on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá and may be useful to an archival researcher interested in this particular site. The course's study of the city from the Late to Post Classic period, its strategic location, and its role as a center of commerce, religion, and astronomy may provide a valuable understanding of the historical context of related documents. Its architectural exploration of the Temple of Kukulcan may provide context for related research.
Tour Operator
A tour operator manages and coordinates travel tours. This course, though focusing on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá, may be useful to a tour operator, particularly one who organizes tours in Mexico. The course may help a tour operator gain an in-depth appreciation of the site which may be valuable when designing trips. The course's focus on the Temple of Kukulcan and its astronomical significance may also be helpful when planning itineraries.
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer designs and develops educational material. This course, with its unique emphasis on education as a tool for the improvement of successive generations, may be helpful to a curriculum developer. This course may be particularly useful to curriculum developers who focus on innovative methods and who believe that students should be taught in ways modeled on the patterns of evolution. The discussion of educational principles may be helpful.
Educator
An educator instructs students in a variety of subjects. Although this course focuses on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá, it may be useful to an educator because of its unique methodology. This course emphasizes education as a tool for the improvement of successive generations. The course's design is based on the idea that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution, which may be helpful to an educator looking for new ways to improve learning.
Librarian
A librarian manages and organizes library resources. This course, which focuses on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá may be useful to a librarian. The course may provide a valuable background in understanding the historical and cultural significance of this site, which can be helpful in cataloging and curating related materials. The course may also help a librarian who is building resources to support the study of the pre-Columbian Americas.
Content Creator
A content creator develops materials for digital platforms. This course on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá, may be helpful to a content creator, especially those focused on history, travel, or cultural heritage. The course's study of the site from the Late to Post Classic period and the Temple of Kukulcan can provide rich material to build engaging content. This course could assist a content creator with research for their next project.
Art conservator
An art conservator specializes in the preservation of art. This course may be useful to an art conservator who wishes to learn about the art and architecture of the Maya City of Chichén Itzá. While the course does not deal with the practicalities of conservation, it does provide useful background information about its history, significance, and unique features of the site. It may also be helpful to an art conservator who wishes to specialize in the preservation of Pre-Columbian art.
Writer
A writer produces written content across different genres. This course, focusing on the Maya City of Chichén Itzá may be useful for a writer working on a piece related to ancient cultures. This course may help a writer achieve the required in depth knowledge necessary to craft a compelling narrative. The course's study of its strategic location, its role in commerce, religion, and astronomy, and its exploration of the Temple of Kukulcan and its astronomical significance may provide helpful narrative material.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Maya City of Chichén Itzá.
Explores the Maya worldview, cosmology, and religious beliefs. It is particularly helpful for understanding the astronomical significance of structures like the Temple of Kukulcan. This book provides additional depth to the course by explaining the Maya understanding of the cosmos and its influence on their architecture and urban planning. It valuable resource for understanding the cultural context of Chichén Itzá.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Maya civilization, including its history, culture, and society. It offers valuable background information for understanding the context of Chichén Itzá. While not specifically focused on Chichén Itzá, it provides a broader understanding of the Maya world, making the course material more accessible and enriching the learning experience. It is often used as a textbook in introductory Maya studies courses.

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