Ancient Civilizations of the World

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores archaeological studies that have contributed to our understanding of the emergence and decline of states and civilizations between 3500 BCE and 1500 CE. Examines the complex origins of anthropology and archaeology within the discourses on "civilization" and comparative models of human development. Explores the political organization, social structures, cultural practices and technological advancements of complex societies in regions such as the Near East, Africa, Europe, India, China, Mesoamerica and North America. Explores theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches and the interpretation of archaeological and related data to comprehend the nature of these complex societies in various parts of the world. TOPICS AND THEMES. Theories of civilization and socio-political organization of ancient societies, neo-evolutionary models of social complexity, agricultural societies and the rise of states, archaeological evidence of hierarchy, heterarchy, urbanism, and state formation in ancient societies, environmental factors in the rise and fall of complex societies; trade, warfare and cooperation in ancient societies; comparative studies of complex societies, states and empires in various regions of the world; the collapse of ancient states and lessons for modern states. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.