The Maya Calendar: Circles Of Time
Time: 10:30 - 13:00
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: HS310
- Dates: 01/06/24 - 08/06/24
- Time: 10:30 - 13:00
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Gary Retallick
Course Code: HS310
Duration: 1 session
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What is the course about?
This course provides a fascinating insight into how the Maya perceived the universe and their place within it. We will encounter the concept of time as cyclical in contrast to the linear time which predominates in many modern societies. We will see the deep insights which the Maya had into mathematics and astronomy, their Calendar enabling them to predict astronomical events with accuracy approaching that achieved by present-day computers. We will discover that ‘the’ Calendar is in fact three calendars working together with each other. And we will see how the Calendar is interweaved with the religious concepts of the Maya, establishing the dates of festivals and enabling the recording of significant historical events.
You will have the opportunity in the first session of the course to make your own working Maya Calendar, in order to better follow the explanation of the various cycles through which the Calendar passes as it maps the passage of time.
What will we cover?
• How to make a Maya calendar – the basic construction of a working Maya calendar
• Maya mathematics – learning to count with the Maya number system
• Understanding the Tzolkin, Haab and Long Count – investigating the three cycles
• Unpacking Maya thought – what we learn about the Maya from their Calendar.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify how the Maya calendar works
Explain some basic and not so basic concepts of Maya mathematics
Describe the relation between the Maya calendar and wider Maya society
Make and use your own Maya calendar.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for beginners. No prior knowledge of the Maya calendar is assumed or required, but the course is also designed to be of interest to anyone who has studied the Maya previously, or has other connections with the Maya culture.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught face to face in a number of different ways including presentations with visual examples and discussions. Work outside class will be optional.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Bring a pen and notebook if you wish to make notes. Materials for the construction of the calendar will be provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see our other science & nature courses in the relevant category.
Dr. Gary Retallick Mathematics and Science Gary obtained his Phd in Philosophy of Physics from Kings College London in 2006. His thesis explored the physics of time, touching upon relativity, field equations, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and metaphysics. Gary began his teaching career in computing, going on to teach philosophy for the WEA and Mary Ward Centre, and physics and mathematics at both Birkbeck College London and the Open University. He currently teaches various science related courses, spanning topics in physics, chemistry and mathematics, at City Lit. Languages - Cornish Aside from his career in Science, Gary has an ongoing interest in languages, in particular Cornish, the language of his ancestors. He began studying Cornish at City Lit in 1998, and after passing the grade three Cornish exam with distinction he started to assist his tutor, Jo P'rhys. After a number of years as language assistant to the class, Gary was formally appointed as teacher of the Cornish beginners class, allowing Jo to concentrate on the higher level classes. Gary now teaches both the beginners and lower intermediate classes.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
