ANTH 3280 - Ancient Civilizations of Southeast Asia

Goals: To offer an interdisciplinary survey of the complex cultural diversity that characterized ancient Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia). To be aware of, to be able to synthesize, and to be able to evaluate how archaeological anthropologists have employed analytical techniques and systemic perspectives to understand prehistoric traditions culminating in the formation of the complex societies and states of ancient Southeast Asia.

Content: Comparative archaeological and primary and secondary historical information, theories, and controversies related to the origins of the various cultures and civilizations (ancient Hoabhinian, Ban Chiang through later Khmer, Thai, Burmese, Malay, Indonesian cultures) that flourished in ancient Southeast Asia from the earliest human colonization during Pleistocene times to the arrival of Islam and the European powers.

Taught: Alternate years

Prerequisite: ANTH 1160

Credits: 4