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Sonoma State OLLI
Winter 2016: Mondays, 1-3 p.m.
SOUTH AMERICAN
SOJOURNS
Travels Through Tahuantinsuyu
Instructor: Tyra Benoit
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: (530) 570-3502
General Course Description with Weekly Topics
Join us for a journey through Tahuantinsuyu or the “Land of the Four Regions.” Prior to 1500 C.E., various
civilizations emerged across the Andes and along the coasts of modern Peru and Ecuador. Precursors to the Inca
Empire included the Moche, Nazca, and Chimor.
As the origins and accomplishments of these civilizations are explored, we will examine the impact of the environment
on their development. We will compare and contrast political, economic and religious structures and organization.
Monumental public works and the development of cities, some of which survive to this day, will be an integral part of
this analysis.
The modern world faces environmental challenges and threats from climate change. What lessons can we learn from
these past civilizations and the modern movements that have emerged in South America? Why do some civilizations
flourish for thousands of years while other fail in a relatively short period of time?
Week One (January 11) - The Development of Civilizations in the Americas: When and why did “civilization,”
that is, life in urban environments, emerge in the Americas? This preliminary overview will explore the impact that
the environment had on the development of civilization in South America and showcase the recent discoveries at
Caral-Supe. How did the emergence of civilization in South America compare and contrast with Mesoamerica?
Week Two (January 25) - Chavin, Moche, and Nazca: Agricultural settlements emerged in the Andes around 4000
B.C.E. and gave birth to Chavin de Huantar and then, the Nazca and the Moche. What is the significance of the Nazca
Lines? What new discoveries have deepened our understanding of these ancient drawings in the desert?
Week Three (February 1) - Chimor: The Chimu created the first real Andean Empire and their capital, Chan Chan,
was one of the largest cities in the world by 1200 C.E. Deeply affected by their environment, they faced threats from
El Nino floods that alternated with lengthy droughts. Eventually conquered by the Inca, many of the achievements of
their civilization were incorporated into that later empire.
Week Four (February 8) - Tahuantinsuyu: The Inca Empire developed in a relatively short period of time and built
on the accomplishments of earlier peoples. One of the greatest mysteries from history is how stoneworkers transported
and carved the huge stones used to build Cuzco, Sacsayhuaman, and other structures in the Sacred Valley. Machu
Picchu, one of the most visited tourist sites in South America today, remained hidden during the Spanish Conquest
and was untouched by the conquistadores.
Travels Through Tahuantinsuyu
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Week Five (February 15) - Quechua, Then and Now: Quechua-speaking people continue to inhabit the Andes. How
were the Spanish able to conquer the Inca Empire and what has been the fate of indigenous people since the 16th
century? What challenges do they face today?
Week Six (February 22) - Climate Change and Environmental Movements in the 21st Century: What environmental
challenges face Peru and Ecuador today? How are indigenous people involved in modern environmental movements?
How do these movements compare to those in the United States and the rest of the world?
MAP OF SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA
.MAP OF THE INCA EMPIRE
Maps taken from Judge and Langdon, Connections: A
World History. Pearson Publishing, 2009.
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