Origins of Writing The first attempts at writing were awkward experiments. A few transitioned to fully-fledged writing systems, but most were incomplete affairs that eventually went extinct. In the first half of this course, we will explore the reasons why some experiments faltered—and why others succeeded in Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas thousands of years ago. We will learn how archaeologists and codebreakers deciphered these inscriptions as well as the basics of the writing systems themselves, from Mesopotamian cuneiform to Egyptian hieroglyphics to Chinese oracle bones. In the second half of the course, we will explore Mesoamerican writing systems and focus on learning the Maya hieroglyphic script—the most sophisticated system ever produced in the Americas.

Andean Civilizations Stretching from present-day Ecuador to Chile and consisting of desert coasts, fertile valleys, soaring Andes, and tropical jungle, the Inca Empire was the largest state the Precolumbian Americas had ever seen.  Although they claimed to have ‘civilized’ the Andes, the Inka were only the latest in a sequence of complex societies, all of which ultimately fell to the Spanish in the mid-1500s.  In this course we will explore the growth and development of social complexity in the region, from the first human occupation of South America to the era of European contact.

Introduction to Archaeology Archaeology is the scientific analysis and interpretation of cultural remains. Archaeologists examine artifacts, architecture, and even human remains in order to answer questions about the growth and development of societies worldwide.  In addressing these issues we not only illuminate the past but also explore patterns relevant to contemporary social concerns.  From the tropical lowlands of Central America to the deserts of ancient Egypt, this course provides an introduction to world prehistory.  We proceed from humanity's earliest beginnings to the development of complex societies worldwide and use case examples to explore the major topics, methods, and theories of contemporary archaeology.

The Aztec Empire and the Spanish Conquest This course centers around the rise and fall of the Aztecs, the first state-level society encountered by the Spanish in 1519.  Although primarily known today for their military exploits for what today is Mexico, the Aztecs produced great artisans, artists, and philosophers whose contributions endure in contemporary Mexican culture. We will trace the origins and development of Aztec civilization to its encounter with the Spanish in 1519.  The course also covers the Spanish background for the Conquest, from the martial and political expulsion of Moors and Jews from the Iberian Peninsula in 1492 to the Spanish Inquisition.

The Rise and Fall of the Ancient Maya As perhaps the most famous of all of the cultures of Mesoamerica, the Maya are best known for soaring temples, portraits of kings, a complex hieroglyphic writing system, and a dramatic collapse when their ancient kingdoms were abandoned or destroyed. In this course, we will view their accomplishments through the archaeology of the Classic Period (250-850 AD) and examine how the Maya built cities within the tropical jungles of present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras. We will also explore the history of the Maya after the “fall,” from their revival in the post-Classic Period to the present day.

Death and the Body This course will provide an overview of how archaeologists and anthropologists encounter and interpret death in societies worldwide.  We will look at death and the body from the perspective of burials and tombs, discussing ancient and modern conceptions of souls, afterlives, and identities.  Drawing upon my own research in the tropical lowlands of Guatemala and Honduras, we will compare Maya attitudes towards death with those of other world societies, from the mummies of ancient Egypt to modern jazz funerals in New Orleans.  We will explore different ideas about death, social boundaries, and even what it is to be human.

The Artistry of the Maya Scribe The Maya produced what was arguably the most beautiful script of the ancient Americas—a true combination of art and writing.  This course explores Maya history and the fundamentals of their writing system, but with a twist: instead of just focusing on reading comprehension, we explore how scribes learned to write.  Using ancient painting techniques and natural pigments, students will discover how to combine words and images in playful ways and, in so doing, understand why this system evolved as it did.  They will explore the stylistic choices made in the first millennium CE—and perhaps make those same choices again. This course is part of the Public Humanities Labs Initiative administered by the Axinn Center for the Humanities./

Sorcery in Mesoamerica Sorcery was fundamental to religious life in ancient Mesoamerica.  Though removed from one another in time and space, the different cultures and civilizations of this region practiced magic and witchcraft.  Civilizations like the Aztecs (1300-1521 CE), the Classic Maya (250-850 CE) and the Olmecs (1200-400 BCE) flourished in different environments, spoke unrelated languages, and worshipped separate gods; however, they were all fascinated by the occult.  This course compares their magical traditions from a variety of viewpoints, including analytical, anthropological, and historical perspectives.  It also considers the impact of European witchcraft on Mesoamerica, from the Colonial Period to the present.

James Fitzsimmons

Reviews and ratings for James Fitzsimmons at Middlebury College.James Fitzsimmons teaches Origins of Writing, Andean Civilizations, Introduction to Archaeology and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is James Fitzsimmons good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This is a great class, especially with Fitzsimmons teaching it! Fitz specializes in the ancient Maya, so he is super knowledgeable in the topic and teaches it very well. If you enjoy learning about ancient civilizations and not constantly stressing about work, this class is for you. 

Fitzsimmons is the best Professor I've had at Middlebury. If you like learning about ancient civilizations, this class is great for you. His lectures are really engaging and info-packed, in a good way.

I had an amazing time taking this class with Professor Fitzsimmons. He is very enthusiastic about the material and goes out of his way to make sure the class is engaged. Tests are fair but a lot of material. There is quite a bit of reading, but you can get away just fine without doing most of it since it is covered in lecture. 