Explore the archaeological and cultural landscape of the American Southwest. The Southwest is a region rich in archaeological sites and the thriving descendent communities maintain cultural ties to the past, present, and future. We explore the fragile ecosystems and the complicated history of the region. From canyons and rivers to Tribal reservations and National Parks this course covers a wide web of geological and social complexity. This spring course includes an optional spring break travel component to Arizona’s Grand Canyon region.
Occasionally
Previously: ANTH 389 (On campus)
The Northern Plains of North America is a vast territory stretching from central Manitoba and Saskatchewan south to Nebraska, east to northern Iowa and west to the Rocky Mountains. It is a stark and harsh landscape but one with abundant streams, wildlife, and wild plants. These resources have sustained Native American populations for at least 12,000 years and continue to do so through the present day. This course will take a holistic approach to the study of the Great Plains through an archaeological perspective that includes Indigenous knowledge, viewpoints, and concerns. Emphasis will be placed on making connections between the culture, lifeways, and worldviews of past and contemporary Indigenous nations.
Occasionally
Previously: ANTH 376
Zooarchaeology is the study of animal and human interactions through archaeological remains and context. Humans have interacted with animals as predators, prey, and even pets and hunting companions throughout prehistory into today. This course provides students with the skills to analyze animal remains, keep careful journal records, and report their findings verbally, visually, and in writing.
Every other Fall, odd years
Previously: ANTH 317
Human Osteology examines the function and evolutionary history of the human skeleton. Students will explore how human bones articulate to create a dynamic biological system. The course introduces skeletal biology and the analysis of human skeletal remains, with applications in archaeological, forensic, and biomedical contexts. Students will engage in hands-on learning of human skeletal and dental anatomy, gaining insight into human evolution, health, and the lives of past communities.
Occasional Interims
Previously: ANTH 368
This course provides an introduction to Cultural Resource Management (CRM), which comprises an estimated 80 percent of the professional archaeology conducted in the United States. This course will explore the broad range of laws that govern archaeological research in the public sector. Practical elements of doing CRM archaeology incorporated into the course include the importance of anthropological theory in CRM, development of regulation-driven research designs, production and evaluation of CRM reports, applying National Register criteria, evaluating significance, assessing effect, management of archaeological projects, phasing of archaeological research, curation of collections, ethical issues, and the concepts of traditional cultural properties and ownership of information about the past. A primary focus will be on the multiple stakeholders in these processes, including developers, archaeologists, and Indigenous groups, and it will lay the foundation for non-academic careers in archaeology.
Every other Spring, odd years
Previously: ANTH 374
The Southwest is a region rich in archaeological sites and the descendent communities still thrive nearby. Explore the archaeological and cultural landscape of the American Southwest. We explore the fragile ecosystems and complicated history of the area. From canyons and rivers to Native reservations and National Parks this course covers a wide web of geological and social complexity. This J Term course travels through the expansive southwest region visiting sites from Mesa Verde to Chaco Canyon while visiting Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni nations.
Occasionally
Previously: ANTH 389 (Study away)
This four to five week field school offers basic instruction in all aspects of Archaeological Fieldwork. Students will be instructed in excavation, mapping, photography, plan view map drawing, as well as the initial processing of recovered artifacts.
Every Summer, Study away
Previously: ANTH 378
Internship in Anthropology. Additional fees may apply.
Every Fall and Spring
Previously: ANTH 395
Special Topics in Anthropology.
Previously: ANTH 397