The Human Past

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the development of human societies and world prehistory from the earliest humans to the emergence of complex civilizations. Applies archaeological and historical methods and theories used to reconstruct past lifeways including culture, identity, migration and social development. Engages with written, oral and visual communication of archaeological and historical data. Develops an understanding of how cultures adapt and change through time and across space. Engages critical thinking skills in evaluation of evidence and synthesis of different types of information. Introduces ideas of personal and social responsibility and the skills needed for careers in anthropology and archaeology. TOPICS AND THEMES. Human evolution and migration. Human relationships with the environment including climate change, subsistence strategies, extinction events, domestication and agriculture. Production, evolution and spread of material culture. Symbolic and ritual behavior. Development of sedentism, complex societies, urbanism, collective labor, written language, monument building, early states and empires. Discussion of individual and social identity, individual agency, archaeological ethics and the role of archaeology in contemporary society. This course may incorporate topics that respond to current events, student interests or emerging issues relevant to anthropology.