CCAS 113BOrigin and Evolution of Ritual Traditions in Mexico and Central America
Chicana/o and Central American Studies · 4 units · Undergraduate upper division (100-199)
Analytical overview of origin and evolution of cultural traditions of Christmas, Easter, and Day of Dead, from pre-Hispanic to contemporary manifestations in Mexico and Central America. Exploration of how Aztec and Mayan astronomical rituals became foundation for Spanish domination and later globalization. Winter solstice became Christmas, spring equinox became celebration of Easter, and end of harvest became Todos los Santos. Examination of original purpose of sugar skull, piñata, pastorela shepherds’ drama, and traditional dances as effective tools of colonization.
Letter grading.
When it runs
Not on the schedule for any of Fall 2025 through Spring 2027. UCLA publishes only that window, so this does not mean the course is gone — check the official listing.
Requisites
UCLA lists no requisites for this course.
Requires
Everything that has to come before this course, not just the courses named in the requisite above.
Nothing — this is an entry point.
Unlocks
What this course is a requisite for, and what those courses lead to in turn.
No course in the catalog lists this as a requisite.