Historicizing Humankind

Catalog description

Archaeologists describe ‘prehistory’ as the period since human-like beings first appeared on earth, or alternatively, the long period between the first use of stone tools and the invention of writing systems. However, the concept itself is quite recent. Prehistory was widely contested when it was first invented in 19th century Europe, and debates about human origins have not ceased since. This course explores the politics of human origins through histories of science, religion, colonialism, race, and material culture. We will focus on moments of scientific controversy from the enlightenment to the present day. What were the theological implications for extending human history into the realm of deep time? Why were fossils and stone tools so controversial? When, where, and how did humans become “civilized”? Do all humans share common origins? How does Eurocentrism continue to shape our understanding of human prehistory? We will discuss modern debates on these issues alongside written, visual, and material primary sources.