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The Aztecs

Federico von Borstel

This is a course on the history of the Aztec nation, also called the Mexicas. Using personal experience, original art and literature this course follows the Aztec nation from its origins in the semi-mythical Aztlan to their capital Tenochtitlan. The course then explores the reason for their growth and dominance over other peoples in Mesoamerica. The movement of the heavens was not only a way to keep time, but it ruled their entire pattern of behaviors, ceremonies and beliefs. Their art in the form of monumental sculptures honor their Gods. I grew up in their city and experienced the everyday life of the Aztec capital, puzzled and fascinated by the dual nature of the Mexica nation. 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 is a course on the history of the Aztec nation, also called the Mexicas. Using personal experience, original art and literature this course follows the Aztec nation from its origins in the semi-mythical Aztlan to their capital Tenochtitlan. The course then explores the reason for their growth and dominance over other peoples in Mesoamerica. The movement of the heavens was not only a way to keep time, but it ruled their entire pattern of behaviors, ceremonies and beliefs. Their art in the form of monumental sculptures honor their Gods. I grew up in their city and experienced the everyday life of the Aztec capital, puzzled and fascinated by the dual nature of the Mexica nation. 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

  • At the end of this course students will have a comprehensive understanding of the beginnings, growth and development of the aztec nation.
  • The course promotes self-learning.
  • The course enhances human development.
  • The course seeks to enrich your life experience.

Syllabus

Introduction
The Aztecs Lecture 2
The Aztecs Lecture 3
The Aztecs Lecture 4
Read more
The Aztecs Lecture 5
The Aztecs Lecture 6
The Aztecs Lecture 7
The Aztecs Lecture 8
The Aztecs Lecture 9
The Aztecs Lecture 10
The Aztecs Lecture 11
The Aztecs Lecture 12
Course Catalog

Good to know

Know what's good
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Explores the Aztec civilization from its mythical origins to its dominance in Mesoamerica, providing a comprehensive historical overview
Examines the movement of the heavens and its influence on Aztec behaviors, ceremonies, and beliefs, offering insights into their worldview
Features original art and literature to illustrate the Aztec nation, enriching the learning experience with primary source material
Seeks to enrich your life experience, which may appeal to learners interested in personal growth through historical knowledge
Promotes self-learning, which may require learners to take initiative in their studies and seek out additional resources

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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 Aztecs with these activities:
Read '1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus'
Expand your understanding of pre-Columbian societies and challenge conventional narratives.
View True West on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of '1491'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the sections related to Mesoamerica.
  • Compare and contrast the information presented in the book with the course material.
Read '1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus'
Broaden your understanding of pre-Columbian America and the context of the Aztec civilization.
View True West on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of '1491'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the sections related to Mesoamerica.
  • Compare and contrast the information in the book with the course material.
Review Mesoamerican Geography
Prepare for the course by refreshing your knowledge of the geography of Mesoamerica.
Show steps
  • Review maps of Mesoamerica.
  • Identify key geographical features.
  • Understand how geography influenced Aztec civilization.
16 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 19 activities
Read '1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus'
Expand your understanding of pre-Columbian America and the context of the Aztec civilization.
View True West on Amazon
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of '1491'.
  • Read the book, focusing on sections related to Mesoamerica.
  • Consider how the book's arguments change your understanding.
Read 'The Broken Spears: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico'
Gain a deeper understanding of the Aztec perspective on the Spanish conquest.
View The Broken Spears 2007 Revised Edition: The... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Broken Spears'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key events and perspectives.
  • Reflect on how the Aztec account differs from traditional narratives.
Create a Timeline of Aztec History
Solidify your understanding of the Aztec civilization's chronology.
Show steps
  • Research key events in Aztec history.
  • Create a visual timeline using online tools.
  • Add descriptions and images to each event.
Read 'The Broken Spears: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico'
Gain a deeper understanding of the Aztec perspective on the Spanish conquest.
View The Broken Spears 2007 Revised Edition: The... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Broken Spears'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key events and cultural insights.
  • Reflect on how the Aztec perspective differs from traditional historical accounts.
Read 'The Broken Spears: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico'
Gain a deeper understanding of the Aztec perspective on the Spanish conquest.
View The Broken Spears 2007 Revised Edition: The... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Broken Spears'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key events and perspectives.
  • Reflect on how the Aztec account differs from traditional narratives.
Write a Blog Post on Aztec Art
Deepen your knowledge of Aztec art and its significance.
Show steps
  • Research different forms of Aztec art.
  • Choose a specific art form to focus on.
  • Write a blog post explaining its history.
Create a timeline of Aztec history
Solidify your understanding of the chronology of Aztec history.
Show steps
  • Research key events in Aztec history, from their origins to the Spanish conquest.
  • Create a visual timeline, including dates and brief descriptions of each event.
  • Share your timeline with classmates for feedback.
Write a Short Story from an Aztec Perspective
Immerse yourself in Aztec culture by writing a short story from the perspective of an Aztec individual.
Show steps
  • Research Aztec daily life and customs.
  • Choose a character and setting for your story.
  • Write a story that reflects Aztec values and beliefs.
Create a Timeline of Aztec History
Solidify your understanding of Aztec history by creating a visual timeline.
Show steps
  • Research key events in Aztec history, from their origins to the Spanish conquest.
  • Select a timeline creation tool (online or offline).
  • Populate the timeline with dates, events, and brief descriptions.
  • Include images or illustrations to enhance the timeline.
Read 'The Broken Spears: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico'
Gain a deeper understanding of the Aztec perspective on the Spanish conquest.
View The Broken Spears 2007 Revised Edition: The... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Broken Spears'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key events.
  • Reflect on the Aztec perspective.
Create a Timeline of Aztec History
Solidify your understanding of Aztec history by creating a visual timeline of key events.
Show steps
  • Research the major events in Aztec history.
  • Organize the events chronologically.
  • Create a visual timeline using online tools or by hand.
  • Add brief descriptions and images to each event.
Write a Short Story from an Aztec Perspective
Deepen your understanding of Aztec culture by writing a fictional story.
Show steps
  • Research Aztec daily life, beliefs, and social structures.
  • Choose a specific time period and setting for your story.
  • Develop a character and plot that reflects Aztec values and challenges.
  • Write the story, incorporating details about Aztec culture and history.
  • Revise and edit your story for clarity and accuracy.
Write a short story from the perspective of an Aztec citizen
Develop a deeper empathy for the Aztec people and their way of life.
Show steps
  • Research daily life, customs, and beliefs of the Aztec people.
  • Imagine yourself as an Aztec citizen and write a short story about your life.
  • Share your story with classmates for feedback.
Review 'Aztec Thought and Culture: A Study of the Ancient Nahuatl Mind'
Deepen your understanding of Aztec philosophy and worldview.
View Aztec Thought and Culture on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Aztec Thought and Culture'.
  • Read the book, focusing on key concepts and beliefs.
  • Consider how these ideas influenced Aztec society and culture.
Design a Presentation on Aztec Art
Reinforce your knowledge of Aztec art by creating a presentation showcasing its key features and significance.
Show steps
  • Research different forms of Aztec art.
  • Select specific examples to showcase in your presentation.
  • Create slides with images and descriptions.
  • Practice your presentation.
Research and Write a Report on Tenochtitlan
Expand your knowledge of the Aztec capital by conducting in-depth research and writing a comprehensive report.
Show steps
  • Gather information from various sources about Tenochtitlan.
  • Organize your research into a structured report.
  • Write about the city's history, architecture, and social life.
  • Include maps, images, and diagrams to illustrate your points.

Career center

Learners who complete The Aztecs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
A historian studies and interprets the past, often specializing in a particular region or time period, much like this course focuses on the Aztecs. This role involves extensive research, analysis of primary and secondary sources, and the communication of historical findings through writing and presentations. This course on the Aztecs helps to develop expertise in a specific pre-Columbian civilization, while its emphasis on personal experience, original art, and literature provides a model for conducting and presenting historical research in an engaging and insightful manner. The course promotes self-learning, which is crucial for the ongoing research required of a historian; the approach of studying subjects as if they were taught to the instructor can encourage an innovative approach to historical analysis.
See salaries and explore the career path for Historian
Archaeologist
An archaeologist studies past human life and activities by excavating and analyzing material remains. The work of an archaeologist involves fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and the interpretation of artifacts and sites. This course, which covers the history of the Aztecs from their origins to their dominance in Mesoamerica, is useful as it provides essential historical and cultural context for archaeological work in that region. The course’s emphasis on original art and the instructor's personal experience growing up in the Aztec capital can be invaluable for understanding the cultural context of the material remains an archaeologist might encounter. Its focus on the patterns of behaviors, ceremonies, and beliefs will enrich the interpretation of archaeological finds.
See salaries and explore the career path for Archaeologist
Museum curator
A museum curator is responsible for the collection, care, and exhibition of artifacts and works of art in a museum. Curators often specialize in specific areas, such as a particular culture or historical period. This course on the Aztecs can help to build expertise in the history, art, and culture of the Aztec civilization, which is valuable for curating related collections. The course's focus on art and literature, as well as the instructor's personal experience, provides a unique and authentic perspective that can be used to create engaging and informative museum exhibits. The course’s emphasis on learning by doing helps to form the practical skills needed for effective curation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator
Cultural Heritage Manager
A cultural heritage manager works to preserve and promote cultural sites and traditions, often in the context of historical or archaeological sites. This course, with its focus on the history of the Aztecs from their origins to their capital and the importance of their art and beliefs, may be helpful by providing the needed historical and cultural understanding necessary for preserving and promoting sites and traditions related to the Aztec civilization. The course promotes self-learning, which is essential for managing ongoing preservation projects. The educator's personal experience of the Aztec capital will be useful to a heritage manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Heritage Manager
University Professor
A university professor conducts research and teaches courses in their area of expertise. This course, focused on the history of the Aztecs, may be helpful for someone who wishes to teach university level courses in history or anthropology. The course's emphasis on personal experience and original materials can inform effective teaching practices. The instructor’s mission of education as a tool for improvement, as well as the design of courses based on evolutionary learning, can be a useful model for teaching and education. The course's objective of enhancing human development may be important for a teacher.
See salaries and explore the career path for University Professor
Anthropologist
An anthropologist studies human societies and cultures and their development. This course, focusing on the Aztec civilization, may be useful for someone specializing in Mesoamerican cultures. An understanding of the Aztec nation's beginnings, growth, and development, is essential in the study of ancient civilizations. The course's emphasis on the Aztecs' beliefs, ceremonies, and art, provides cultural context essential to anthropological research and analysis, while the instructor's personal experience can provide unique insights into their culture. Anthropologists must be self-learners, and the course promotes this skill, which will be helpful in the academic life of an anthropologist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist
Archivist
An archivist is responsible for appraising, collecting, organizing, preserving, and providing access to historical records and documents. This course on the Aztecs provides a specific historical context that may be useful for an archivist working with related materials. The course’s focus on original art and literature can help in the proper assessment and handling of historical documents and artifacts, while the emphasis on the Aztecs’ beliefs and practices provides a deeper understanding of the context of these records. The course’s promotion of self-learning is important for an archivist, as this role often involves independent investigation and problem-solving.
See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist
Educational Consultant
An educational consultant advises schools and educational organizations on curriculum development and teaching strategies. This course, designed under the premise that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution, may be helpful for one who wants to apply this educational philosophy to their work as a consultant. The course’s approach of using personal experience and original sources may be useful for developing engaging educational materials. The emphasis on self-learning and enhancing human development can inform effective educational practices. The consultant may also be interested in the mission statement quoted and its implications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant
Librarian
A librarian is responsible for curating, organizing, and managing library collections, as well as assisting patrons in finding information. This course on the Aztecs, with its emphasis on historical context and original source material, may be useful to a librarian who curates collections related to Mesoamerican cultures. The course’s focus on the Aztecs’ beginnings, growth, and development is essential for a librarian who deals with historical documents. The course’s approach to learning and information may be helpful for improving library services and resource management. A librarian must be a continuous learner, which is promoted by this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian
Tour Guide
A tour guide leads groups of people on tours, providing them with information about the history, culture, and significance of a site or area. This course on the Aztecs can form a basis for tours centered, for example, around the history of the civilization or on related museum exhibitions. The course’s emphasis on the Aztecs’ origins, growth, and development, as well as their art and beliefs, can help a tour guide in providing engaging and informative experiences. The course’s attention to personal experience and original sources is relevant for presenting material in a captivating, first-hand manner. The course's mission statement may be applicable to guides who see education as a tool for future generations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide
Writer
A writer creates written content for a variety of purposes including articles, books, and educational material. This course on the Aztecs may be useful to a writer who focuses on historical, cultural, or educational topics. The course’s emphasis on the Aztecs’ origins, growth, and development provides essential historical context to write about that civilization. The course’s use of personal experience and original sources may enhance the writer's work, promoting an engaging and authentic voice. The course also models the effective use of materials, which a writer can learn from.
See salaries and explore the career path for Writer
Independent Scholar
An independent scholar conducts research and pursues intellectual interests outside of a traditional academic setting. This course on the Aztecs may be useful for an independent scholar wishing to study the history and development of the Aztec civilization. The course's focus on the Aztecs’ origins, growth, and development provides a comprehensive foundation for further study. The course’s emphasis on personal experience and original sources may be particularly helpful for independent researchers, who often need to develop their own methodological approaches. Independent scholars must be self-learners, which is promoted by the course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Independent Scholar
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer designs educational programs, materials, and lesson plans for schools and other educational institutions. This course on the Aztecs, and its emphasis on the design, development, and application of educational systems, may be useful for a curriculum developer. The course’s teaching methodology, focusing on learning by doing, may be a model for creating engaging and effective curricula. The course’s design under the premise that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution provides a unique perspective on designing curricula that are in sync with the natural learning processes. The course’s emphasis on human development may be useful in education.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer
Editor
An editor reviews and prepares written content for publication ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency. This course on the Aztecs may be helpful to an editor focusing on educational materials, or historical content. The course’s emphasis on the Aztecs’ origins, growth, and development may provide an editor with essential historical background. The course’s use of original sources and personal narratives may be valuable for an editor who is evaluating content for historical accuracy and engaging presentation. The course's emphasis on self-learning will be helpful in the continual updating of one's knowledge that is part of the editor's work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Editor
Illustrator
An illustrator creates images to communicate ideas and concepts for various media, including books and educational materials. This course on the Aztecs may be useful for an illustrator who wishes to focus on historical or cultural subjects. The course’s emphasis on the Aztecs’ art, monumental sculptures, and beliefs, may provide inspiration and background for creating accurate and engaging images. The course's discussion of the Aztecs' personal experience of their own culture provides the kind of context that may be useful for an illustrator. Illustrators often are self-taught, a skill that this course promotes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Reading list

We've selected three 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 Aztecs.
Cover image
The Broken Spears (Beacon Classics)
Save
Provides a crucial perspective on the Aztec civilization by presenting accounts from the Aztecs themselves regarding the Spanish conquest. It offers a counter-narrative to the traditional Spanish accounts, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the events. Reading this book will give you a deeper appreciation for the Aztec perspective and the impact of colonization on their society. It is highly recommended as a primary source to supplement the course material.
The Broken Spears 2007 Revised Edition: The Aztec...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Aztec Thought and Culture
Save
Delves into the philosophical and cultural underpinnings of Aztec society. It explores their worldview, religious beliefs, and social structures. It provides valuable context for understanding their motivations and actions. This book is best used as additional reading to add more depth to the course.
Aztec Thought and Culture
Paperback
Check
Aztec Thought and Culture
Kindle Edition
Check
True West
Save
Challenges conventional understandings of pre-Columbian societies in the Americas, including the Aztec civilization. It presents evidence of sophisticated agricultural practices, urban planning, and resource management. Reading this book will broaden your perspective on the complexity and ingenuity of the Aztecs and other indigenous cultures. It is valuable as additional reading to provide more depth to the course.
True West
Paperback
Check
True West
Kindle Edition
Check

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Effort
1.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Federico von Borstel
Language
English
Good to know
Explores the Aztec civilization from its mythical origins to its dominance in Mesoamerica, providing a comprehensive historical overview
Examines the movement of the heavens and its influence on Aztec behaviors, ceremonies, and beliefs, offering insights into their worldview
Features original art and literature to illustrate the Aztec nation, enriching the learning experience with primary source material
Seeks to enrich your life experience, which may appeal to learners interested in personal growth through historical knowledge
Promotes self-learning, which may require learners to take initiative in their studies and seek out additional resources
Share and help others discover this course.
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