ANTH 1100 - World Prehistory

Goals: To introduce students to the fascinating story of humanity’s deep history as told by archaeology. Students will also gain competency in the critical evaluation of scientific claims and archaeological knowledge.

Content: Survey of over four million years of human prehistory from our earliest hominid ancestors to the rise of ancient states. Topics include the first stone tools and the emergence of human culture, Neanderthals, Upper Paleolithic art, the origins of agriculture, the building of monumental architecture, and culminating with the first states, including those of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China and Mexico. We will also consider how archaeologists study the past through laboratory exercises, field assignments, and a computer simulation.
Taught: Alternate years, winter term.