Course Number
Course Title
World Archaeology
Course Date
Fall 2015
Course Level
2000
Department/Program
Anthropology
College
College of Liberal Arts
Document Type
Syllabus
Description
This course offers a survey of world archaeology, from evidence for the earliest humans to the civilizations of the ancient Near East and Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The methods and tools used by archaeologists will be introduced, as will major themes in archaeological theory and in the history of the discipline. Particular archaeological culture areas and groups will serve as examples through which to critically explore archaeological inference: how we know what we think we know about the past. In addition, contemporary issues and new data on a wide range of archaeological issues will be discussed, including hominid evolution and Neanderthal/human contacts; the earliest Americans and the Kennewick debate; the origins of agriculture, cities, symbolic art, monumental architecture, and writing; diffusion and cross-cultural influence; and looting, grave robbing, cultural heritage, and the related ethical questions in archaeological practice.
Note:
Older syllabi may not be applicable to the current semester. Be sure to verify content with the instructor.