CCOG for ATH 102 archive revision 201904

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Effective Term:
Fall 2019 through Summer 2020

Course Number:
ATH 102
Course Title:
Introduction to Archaeology and Prehistory
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces archaeology as the anthropological study of humans in the past and the present through the examination of cultural materials and human remains. Considers archaeological theories and methods and ethical issues related to cultural resource management and excavation. Examines systems of power and social justice related to ancient societies and compares them wit h similar systems and issues in contemporary societies from an anthropological perspective. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Use an understanding of archaeological methods and theories to evaluate artifacts and other data.
  2. Describe the impact of human beings on the environment over time and in different ecological settings.
  3. Discuss ethical issues related to cultural resource management and the excavation and study of human remains associated with indigenous societies from an anthropological perspective.
  4. Examine systems of power and social justice related to ancient societies and compare them with similar systems of power and privilege in contemporary societies from an anthropological perspective.

Social Inquiry and Analysis

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.

Course Activities and Design

Course activities may include any of the following:

  • lectures
  • film viewing
  • presentations
  • guest speakers
  • discussions
  • short papers
  • field projects
  • community based learning

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment strategies may include any of the following:

  • *exams (in class or take home)
  •  term papers 
  • quizzes
  •  short papers or reports
  •  student presentations

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes:

  • Physical and Cultural Evolution and Development
  • Archaeology versus Prehistory
  • Material Culture
  • Cultural Resource Management
  • Non-material Culture
  • Cross-cultural Analysis and Comparison
  • Ancient Systems of Power and Privilege
  • Race, Gender and Social Marginalization in the Past

Issues:

  • Monogenesis versus Polygenesis
  • Cultural Diffusion
  • Cultural Variation versus Diversity
  • Cultural Marginalization
  • Cultural History
  •  Excavation and Study of the Human Remains of Indigenous Societies

Concepts:

  • Time
  • Cultural Evolution
  • Cultural Ecology
  • Chaos Theory
  • Random Variation
  • Language and Culture
  • Race as a Cultural Construct
  • Power and Privilege

Skills:

  • read and write at the college level