Anthropology 011: Introductory North American Archaeology
With every step we leave one foot in the past and thrust another into the future, and a sense of where we are going is enriched by an understanding of where we have been. Archaeology is an important tool for understanding the past, and for most of human history it is our only access to it. Only a few written documents and engraved monuments inform America's past before 1492. For the rest of the 14,000 years of human history in this hemisphere we must depend upon the intended and unintended archaeological traces left by the first Americans. The quest is important because the end of the Ice Age left biologically modern people everywhere on the verge of plant and animal domestication, rapid population growth, settled life, and the development of complex societies. These profound developments occurred not once but several times. The Americas provide a fascinating laboratory for the study of the independent realization of human potential. The earthworks, monuments, sculptures, homes, pottery, tools, and everyday trash of the first Americans document a unique history that is at the same time a reassuring variation on the theme of human achievement everywhere.
What will I learn in this course?
The course surveys the archaeology of North America, including Mexico. The archaeological history of North American Indians is traced from their origins in Eurasia over 14,000 years ago into the period of European colonization. An ecological approach is taken to the examination of all major regions of the continent. At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Evaluate objectively the reliability of information on American Indian archaeology you encounter in print, on the web, or on TV.
- Identify and define the stakeholders (including American Indian ones) in any archaeological controversy.
- Describe and explain the diversity of opinion apparent in a contemporary archaeological controversy.
- Describe the ways in which specific North American Indian cultures adapted to their local environments.
- Detect and describe the key features of any North American Indian culture that set it apart as a distinct culture.
- Describe how archaeological cultures from North America fit into an overall ecological model of the living world.
- Distinguish alternative archaeological propositions that are not mutually exclusive from those that are.
- Identify stakeholders in any archaelogical controversy.
- Identify and define the nonexclusive alternative perspectives of stakeholders.
- Participate as an informed citizen in decision making about archaeological and historic preservation.
- Answer all questions about North American archaeology on "Jeopardy".
This course meets the General Education Social and Behavioral Science (GS) requirements, the International Cultures (IL) requirements, and the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. See your advisor if you have questions about how this course can be used in your program of study.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
No specific classes are required before taking ANTH 011: Introductory North American Archaeology
I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?
This course is taught completely online. We'll use Penn State's course management system, ANGEL, for ANTH 001, and you will be able to communicate with the professor and your classmates through chat, e-mail, and threaded discussions within ANGEL.
You do not need to come to campus at any time, and you do not need a proctor or remote testing site.
However, an online course is not easier than on-campus course. In fact, it takes a lot more self-discipline. You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. You must also be a motivated, organized student who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.
What are the technological requirements for this course?
- have access to a computer that meets the ANGEL technological requirements.
- be comfortable with navigating the Internet
How is the course structured?
ANTH 011 has 15 lesson consisting of several online quizzes and activities. Taking the quizzes and solving the activities will be the best possible preparation for the two exams and the final exam. The final exam will be in two parts. Part One will test the last third of the course, and Part Two will test overall comprehension of the entire course. All exams are online.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about ANTH 011 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access ANTH 011 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.
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