ANTH 104 - Great Discoveries in Archaeology

5 CR

Covers how ancient remains are recovered, the politics of ‘discovering’ such remains, and what these remains mean within a scientific framework. A critical evaluation of world famous sites (such as the cave paintings at Lascaux, Old Kingdom Egyptian Pyramids, Great Zimbabwe, Machu Picchu, Classic Maya site of Copán, Ozette in Washington state, and more) will highlight key factors, such as racism and sexism, that influence interpretation of the past. An awareness of legal responsibilities facing world citizens and their collective past will be increased. A large visual component will illustrate salient points of the course.

Course Outcomes

Recognize, identify, and employ the scientific method in archaeology, and to distinguish coherent arguments based on such principles from other claims.
Identify issues of the nature and politics of discovery in science.
Critically evaluate current findings and key sites on which current understanding of human prehistory have been based.
Increase awareness of legal responsibilities facing world citizens and their collective past.
Explain the relevance of archaeology to global issues and cultural diversity.

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