Discover the Civilizations That Shaped America Before Columbus

Before diving into specific civilizations, students build the foundational historical thinking skills they'll use throughout the course. This module introduces key concepts like primary vs. secondary sources, artifact analysis, oral tradition as evidence, and the dangers of historical bias — with a specific focus on how Indigenous history has been misrepresented.

Students take an in-depth look at Maya civilization — one of the most intellectually extraordinary cultures in human history. Lessons cover Maya city-states, writing and calendars, agriculture, religion, art, and the complex story of Classic Maya decline.

Students explore the rise of the Aztec Empire — from a wandering people with a prophecy to the rulers of a vast Mesoamerican empire centered at the island city of Tenochtitlán. Lessons cover political power, economics, religion, engineering, and Aztec perspectives on their own history.

Students explore the Inca Empire — the largest empire in the pre-Columbian Americas — from its origins in the Andes to its extraordinary achievements in road-building, administration, agriculture, and textile arts. Special attention is paid to the unique Inca system of governance and its contrast with other state structures.

This module turns north to explore the extraordinary diversity of Indigenous cultures within present-day North America — from the architectural genius of the Ancestral Puebloans to the massive earthwork city of Cahokia, to the democratic confederacy of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). Students discover that 'Native American' encompasses hundreds of distinct nations, not a single culture.

The final module zooms out to synthesize the course, challenge the idea that pre-Columbian history is 'dead' history, and center the living continuity of Indigenous cultures. Students complete a capstone project, engage in final discussions, and reflect on how studying this history changes the way they see the present.