How are society's social structure and its educational system related?
Vocabulary
Aztec codices - Aztec books that contained images only and were meant to educate the Aztecs on their society, religion and culture.
calmecac - school for nobles
telpochcalli - school for commoners
conscription - required by law to join the military; also known as "the draft"
draft dodger - someone who avoids military service by illegally leaving the country or by going into hiding
glyphs - a system of writing using pictures instead of letters
Male umbilical cord was wrapped around a wooden shield then given to a warrior to be buried on the battlefield.
Female umbilical cord was wrapped around a piece of wood then buried under the hearth to dedicate her to the household.
Children were pampered until age 3
Then they were to become hard working and obedient or else they were severely punished if not obedient.
The goal of punishing was to make citizens with a "stone heart and a stone face"
Located in the neighbourhood where the nobles lived
Usually attached to the temple
Studied Codices on religion and their society
Reading, Writing, and Counting
Higher education was based on ability to read and write.
Nobles learned to read and write
Commoners learned through spoken words
Aztecs used fingers and toes to count.
All boys trained as warriors, then served as soldier's servant, to learn how a warrior conducted himself, until age 15 when he became a warrior himself.
Aztecs were mandated to be in the military
Canada has a voluntary military service
Countries that have mandatory military service:
Austria
China
Egypt
Israel
Mexico
Sweden
United States - males age 18-25 must register in order to provide manpower in case of an emergency
Pro's and Cons of Conscription
Commoners were expected to memorize their lessons because they were not taught how to read and write.
Subjects taught:
Aztec History
Religion
Citizenship duties
Music
flutes
drums
dance
Boys did a lot of physical labour
Practical instruction came from parents to prepare them for the family trade.
All girls attended school because a good education was important for all.
Women had little political power
At 16, a girl was usually married and moved in with the husband.
Women could not hold a public office, but were still valued as:
doctors and healers in the army
priestesses
midwives
consulted on lucky days and matchmakers