ANTH 308 Archaeology: Explaining the Past
Who owns the past and why should we try to preserve it? This course explores the formation of the archaeological record, and the methods archaeologists use to interpret that record. Students examine how professional archaeology differs from looting, and how archaeologists work to protect the archaeological record. The course also analyzes and evaluates academic and popular interpretations of archaeology.
Prerequisites
4 Undergraduate credits
Effective August 1, 1998 to May 6, 2025
Meets graduation requirements for
Learning outcomes
General
- Understands, analyzes, and writes about key concepts, methodologies, and current theories of archaeological research at an upper division college level.
- Critically evaluates the practice and ethics of archeology as a scientific endeavor in a multicultural setting, and its role in constructing identity for contemporary social groups.
- Development of critical thinking skills needed to critique and evaluate the results and interpretations of archaeological research.
- Understands the historical role of archeology and its potential misuse to reflect and enforce social inequalities.
- Understands, at an upper division college level, the relationship between archeological research, history, and the natural sciences.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
- Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
- Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
- Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Goal 10: People and the Environment
- Explain the basic structure and function of various natural ecosystems and of human adaptive strategies within those systems.
- Discern patterns and interrelationships of bio-physical and socio-cultural systems.
- Describe the basic institutional arrangements (social, legal, political, economic, religious) that are evolving to deal with environmental and natural resource challenges.
- Evaluate critically environmental and natural resource issues in light of understandings about interrelationships, ecosystems, and institutions.
- Propose and assess alternative solutions to environmental problems.
- Articulate and defend the actions they would take on various environmental issues.
Fall 2024
| Section | Title | Instructor | books | eservices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Archaeology: Explaining the Past | Kreutzer, Daniel D | Books for ANTH-308-50 Fall 2024 | Course details for ANTH-308-50 Fall 2024 |