Archaeology of the Americas

Catalog description

This course surveys the archaeology of the Americas from deep prehistory through the colonial period and into the present day. It examines how diverse Indigenous societies—from the Arctic to Patagonia—shaped landscapes, technologies, and social worlds, and how these worlds were transformed through colonial encounters, capitalism, industrialization, and modern urbanization. Students explore Indigenous knowledge systems, environmental histories, labor and production, heritage governance, and decolonial and collaborative archaeological practices. Through regional case studies and scientific methods, the course demonstrates how archaeology links past and present, illuminating the social, cultural, and environmental challenges facing the Americas today. Recommended (but not required) prerequisite: Introduction to Archaeology ( ANTH-UA 3 ).