Ancient Environments

Catalog description

This course teaches students how scientists investigate ancient environments and climate change and how these are related to ancient people and culture history. Students will learn about methods ranging from pollen and soil analysis to climate reconstruction and ecology. The class will look at a number of archaeological case studies in which climate or environment are believed to have been integral in past cultural developments. Case studies include the Levant, Mesopotamia, Polynesia, the American Southwest, and the Maya area. Students will be evaluated on class participation, weekly writing assignments, and final research papers. Prerequisite: ANTH 0500 or instructor permission.