Archaeology Reality&Fantasies

Catalog description

This course explores the myths, mysteries, frauds, and fantasies surrounding archaeology. Topics include lost continents, aliens’ role in prehistory, controversies over the peopling of the Americas, myths of the Moundbuilders, psychic archaeological methods, archaeology of religion, diverse claims about the past, different uses of archeological evidence, and the persistence of popular misconceptions about the human past. Throughout the class, we will focus on critical thinking through an examination of science and pseudoscience. Specific case studies are used to explore the differences between science and pseudoscience and to generate thoughtful discussion concerning the scientific method, logical thinking, rationality, and belief.