This subject concerns the confrontation and contact between the Spanish and American Indian peoples of Central and South America from the first landing of Columbus in 1492 until the end of the sixteenth century.  It involves some study of the social and political background of the Iberian peninsula; but the main emphasis lies on the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, the Maya country and Peru.  The principal topics for study include the native societies of these regions; the story of the conquests; the nature of colonial society and the policy of the Crown; the contemporary debates on the treatment of the Indians; and the impact – demographic, social, economic and religious – of the Spanish upon the Amerindians.  The period is particularly rich in primary material.  The texts which have been chosen illustrate both European and native views: they include narratives of the conquests of Mexico and Peru and descriptions of Aztec, Maya and Inca society. A knowledge of Spanish is not necessary for taking this course.