An analysis of the prehistoric societies in Minnesota from the retreat of the last glacier to European contact. Emphasis will be placed on, but not limited to, archaeological results generated in Southern Minnesota. An overview of human society in North America north of Mexico from the arrival of the first humans until European contact. Some emphasis will be placed on the north central part of the continent. An overview of South America and Middle America form the earliest human occupation until European contact.
Some emphasis is placed on the development of agriculture and prehistoric state systems.
Non-Western concepts of disease, health, and treatment. The contemporary peoples and cultures of Mexico and Central and South America. Emphasis is on cultural patterns and contemporary issues of the region. This course introduces concepts and methods of applying anthropological understanding to contemporary problems to bring about the empowerment of affected peoples. Case studies illustrate the impact and problems of culture change with special attention to its affect on powerless groups of people.