Archaeological Myths, Frauds, and Controversies

Catalog description

This course critically evaluates archaeological frauds, myths, controversies, and other mysteries perpetuated by pseudoarchaeology. We will investigate the origins of these myths and mysteries, break down the controversies, and learn to recognize frauds. We will evaluate the types of “evidence” used to create them and examine the reasons and rationales that lead people to invent, disseminate, and believe pseudoarchaeological claims. Most importantly, we will consider how these claims impact our culture, society, and how we view the human past. This course requires active discussion and hands-on applied projects to debunk pseudoarchaeology and promote the scientific endeavor of archaeology. No prerequisites.