ANTH 240 - Introduction to Archaeology

(BSSD, GEEL, GCP)

An introduction to the discipline of archaeology. The course provides background to the development of archaeology as a science, various theoretical approaches, archaeological data and dating, and interpretation. The course also includes a survey of global prehistoric archaeological cultures. Assessment Level(s): ENGL 101/ENGL 011. Three hours each week.

3 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

Describe the historical and theoretical perspectives in archaeology.
Compare different points of view concerning ethical issues in archeology and competing perspectives of different stake holders on the past.
Explain the various aspects of the archaeological record.
Interpret humans’ environmental and cultural adaptations.
Assess how archaeologists design and carry out research, using specific case studies.
Evaluate competing theories about the evolution of humans, the development of agriculture and village life, and the rise of the state.
Summarize examples of the prehistoric cultures of foragers, agriculturalists, chiefdoms and states worldwide.

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