[Current Offerings]
[Upcoming Classes]
[Archaeology of Native North America]
[Archaeology and Descendant Communities]
Current Offerings (Spring 2012)
none
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Upcoming Classes (Fall 2012)
Archaeology of Native North America (ANTH 551A)
Mondays 1-3:30pm, Haury 310
Archaeology and Descendant Communities (ANTH 606)
Mondays 9-11:30am, Haury 215
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Archaeology of Native North America
(ANTH 551A)
This is an intensive survey of North America's ancient places and cultures, from the Paleoindian period to the historic period. The course begins with an historical overview of archaeology in the USA and the main theories that influenced the interpretation of archaeological findings over the past 150 years. It scrutinizes the intellectual and political debates surrounding theories about the peopling of North America and continues on to discuss area-wide and regional trends in prehistoric economies, craft production, trade and exchange, social and political organization, and religion and ritual.
The goal of this course is to provide students with a broad perspective on the archaeology of North America and with a clear understanding of the significance of theories and methods developed in this continent that continue to influence archaeology worldwide. To accomplish this goal (and to maintain students' interest in the materials) the course will combine formal lectures with student-led discussions. Students will have an opportunity to summarize and discuss readings in class, to practice writing skills, and to present research through visual media (PowerPoint presentations).
This course was formerly offered as a cross-listed undergraduate/graduate course with a focus on Eastern North America. It has been revised for the fall semester, though it is still listed under the former course title in UAccess Student.
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Archaeology and Descendant Communities
(ANTH 606)
This is a core course for the M.A. in Applied Archaeology offered by the School of Anthropology designed to train archaeologists in formal and informal interactions with communities that are culturally and traditionally associated with archaeological sites and regions. Discussion topics will focus on the development of a broad, theoretically-informed approach for better understanding worldviews, values, and practices of descendant communities in the US and elsewhere, as they are directly relevant to the design, execution, and dissemination of ethical, multi-scalar and collaborative archaeological research. The course will also cover logistical, practical, and political considerations surrounding collaborative archaeology.
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