Critical evaluation of special problems and processes of cultural evolution and adaptation in the southeast. Aspects of prehistoric society covered include subsistence systems, trade, social and political organizations, ideology, calendries and astronomy, language and writing, artifacts, architecture, sculpture and painting. Format is seminar with presentations, research reports, and discussion. Serves as an introduction to the goals, methods, and theoretical base of this relatively new subfield of archaeology. Particular emphasis is placed on acculturation, ethnicity, archaeological methodology, and documentary research.
Regional emphasis is North America and the Caribbean.
This course is designed to familiarize students with principles and methods for the treatment, conservation, display, and curation of cultural materials gathered during archaeological research. A high school level of basic chemistry concepts is recommended. Seminar topics vary from semester to semester. Past topics have included paleodemography, quantitative methods, research design, and others. Principles of analysis and interpretation.