Course: ANTH 153. Temples, Tombs and Treasures? An Introduction to Archaeology (3)
Although we are often captivated by the ancient past, many of the reconstructions of this past found in popular culture are not based on the premises of scientific archaeological practice. This course introduces students to the methods, theories and results of scientific archaeological study. Students learn how archaeologists collect and analyze data in order to reconstruct the lifeways and culture histories of our prehistoric ancestors from the Pleistocene to the first civilizations. Students analyze the causes and effects of significant events in humankind’s prehistoric cultural development and their relevance to the present. Students also learn the importance of the stewardship of archaeological resources and principles of cultural heritage management. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.)