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Anthropology 103: Introduction to Archaeology

John Collins

(Submission #10)


Course Description

Catalogue Description: A survey of human prehistory and the methods used by archaeologists to examine and interpret the past. The origins of cultural behavior, the appearance of agriculture and its consequences, and the development of civilization are given special attention.

Extended Abstract: This course introduces what is known and what remains to be discovered about human biocultural evolution. Ninety-five percent of this story transpired before writing and is therefore prehistoric in nature, accessible primarily through the investigation of archaeological evidence. After examination of the concepts and methods underlying archaeological research, the course surveys world prehistory with an emphasis on the following key changes: (1) the appearance of bipedal apes and tool use; (2) the appearance of the culture-bearing capacity; (3) the shift from foraging to plant and animal domestication; (4) the emergence of civilization. The legacy of these tidal changes underpins the human world that engulfs us today.

Category

Area of Knowledge and Inquiry: Analyzing Social Structures (SS)
Context of Experience: World Cultures (WC)
Extended Requirement: Pre-Industrial Society (PI)

Additional Course information

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 
Existing Course: Existing
Existing Course Number: Anthropology 103
Course Anticipated to be offered: Every Semester
Other (if specified): 
Number of Sections: 5-6
Number of Seats: 30-100

File(s)

[Justification, Materials, Assessment, Administration (PDF)]   [Syllabus/Syllabi (PDF)]  

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