This course reviews the origins and antiquity of people in the New World by discussing the historical developments of anthropology and Paleoindian archaeology that are pertinent, and by reviewing selected early sites and artifact assemblages known in the Western Hemisphere. 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 discussions. 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. Bridges the gap between archaeological field data and activities that produced the data.