Anthropology 175
Archaeology of the Americas
Fall Term  -  2008
Central Michigan University
)(

Instructor:  Charles M. Hastings
Office:  Anspach 118 (774-4398)
E-mail:  charles.hastings@cmich.edu
Office Hours: 

Tuesday and Thursday;
3:00 - 5:00 pm;
other times by appointment

 

 

Wednesday
August 27, 2008

  • Welcome to ANT 175!  The course information below has been updated to the current, fall semester.  If you will regularly use the same computer this term, I suggest you bookmark this webpage and check in once or twice a week for any announcements or information.

  • This ANT 175 webpage is not the same as Blackboard.  Blackboard is a separate online resource maintained by CMU, and course material within it may be accessed only by students currently registered in a specific course.  Certain information for ANT 175 will soon (but not yet!) be made available there.  Announcements to that effect will always appear here at the top of the course webpage.

  • Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with at least the "ANT 175 Links" and the "Selected Classroom Graphics" buttons below; these are useful resources for anyone in the class.  It's a good idea to go into the available classroom graphics at the start of each unit and print them to bring with you to lecture, to save having to copy the same information from the screen in class.

  • Get started on the readings!  Unit I covers a wide range of introductory material, and the reading load is too much to do at the last minute.  Try to get finished with the assigned readings well before the first test, so you have time to study.

  • Page numbers in the course textbook may be confusing.  It might be a good idea to insert a bookmark at the start of each of the separate books from which the text has been assembled, so you can find the assigned readings within each section more easily.

 ANT Student Resources

ANT 175 Links

Selected Classroom Graphics

Hastings Home

Summer Fieldwork & Study Abroad

Unit
I

Unit
II
 

Unit
III

Unit
IV

Unit
V
 

Click to go to:  ANT 175 Contents  -  ANT 175 Links  -  Hastings Home
Selected Classroom Graphics:  Unit I  -  Unit II  -  Unit III  -  Unit IV  - 
Unit V


Web Page Contents

COURSE DESCRIPTION  ASSIGNED READINGS
COURSE OBJECTIVES INTERNET RESOURCES
PREREQUISITES

MUSEUM RESOURCES

METHODOLOGY EVALUATION
POLICIES & ACCOMMODATIONS SCHEDULE
ANTHROPOLOGY MAJOR/MINOR TESTING SCHEDULE
 TEXTBOOKS SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS
INSTRUCTOR'S RESEARCH
CMU ANTHROPOLOGY

COURSE DESCRIPTION

        This course examines archaeological evidence on the prehistory of the Americas, from the earliest peopling of the hemisphere to the period of contact between European and Native American cultures.  It provides an evolutionary perspective on the development of cultural complexity, from early bands of hunters and gatherers through increasingly complex agricultural societies in North, Central, and South America.  Among the more advanced societies briefly covered by the course are the great mound-building chiefdoms of the eastern U.S., the Maya and Aztec civilizations of Mesoamerica, and the Inca and earlier states of Andean South America.
CONTENTS

COURSE OBJECTIVES

        Upon completion of ANT 175, students should have acquired at least a basic understanding of the following:  (1) the goals and methods of archaeology as a branch of anthropology and as a social science; (2) the prehistory of selected regions of the Americas; and (3) anthropological concepts of cultural evolution.  ANT 175 also satisfies the University Program Subgroup IV-B requirement that students gain a greater awareness of cultures other than their own.  This course gives students an opportunity to broaden their cultural horizons; it exposes us to an exceptionally broad range of cultural diversity spanning two continents and many thousands of years of gradual development.  An excerpt of the University Program description this subgroup follows:

Subgroup IV-B:  Studies in Other Global Cultures

These studies involve holistic exploration of significant geographical, cultural, or political units outside of the Anglo-American cultural tradition. The courses may be based in more traditional academic disciplines, and may require the student to become familiar with specific disciplinary methodologies; but their major goal should be to acquaint students with fundamental and distinctive characteristics of the units under examination.  ...

CONTENTS

PREREQUISITES

        Apart from having an interest and motivation to learn about ancient peoples of the Americas, there are no prerequisites for ANT 175.
CONTENTS

METHODOLOGY

Class Format

        ANT 175 is designed primarily as a lecture course but will also include a variety of multi-media visual aids.  Within time constraints, questions and discussion in class are encouraged. Classes will generally run the full duration of scheduled sessions.

Note-taking

        Sources of information available to students in this course include the required textbook readings, recommended (but not required) readings available at the Reserve Desk in the library, occasional handouts distributed in class, information on the course webpage (see “Selected Classroom Graphics”), links to other relevant websites accessible from the course webpage (not required), and lecture. To get the most from each lecture, it is wise to be prepared: at least skim over assigned readings ahead of time, and bring to class the printed version (from a CMU computer lab or your home computer) of that unit’s Selected Classroom Graphics. Most students should strive to take detailed notes throughout each period on what is being discussed (not just what is written on the blackboard or projected onto the screen!). It is ultimately the responsibility of the student, not the instructor, to take notes of sufficient clarity and detail to be able to study effectively.

Attendance

        As this is a lecture-intensive course, students need to attend each lecture, remain for the duration of class, and be attentive throughout the period. Students may occasionally have to miss a class and should take steps to find out what was covered, but it is difficult to compensate for missed classes. Poor attendance has a substantially negative impact on test grades in ANT 175, though the severity varies from student to student. Occasional “pop” quizzes are intended in part to monitor attendance (hence, no make-up quizzes), and attendance may be checked on other occasions as well. Additional penalties for poor attendance may also apply. Regardless of any such attendance checks, students who wish to do well in this course must accept the responsibility for coming to each class.

CONTENTS

CMU POLICIES & ACCOMMODATIONS

CMU Policy on Academic Integrity

        "In May 2001, the Central Michigan University Academic Senate approved the Policy on Academic Integrity, which applies to all university students.  Copies are available on the CMU website via this link, and also in the Academic Senate Office in Room 108 of Bovee University Center.  All Academic work is expected to be in compliance with this policy."  Cheating in any form may not only affect a student’s grade for this course but may also become part of his/her permanent academic record!

CMU Policy on Classroom Civility

        "Each CMU student is encouraged to help create an environment during class that promotes learning, dignity, and mutual respect for everyone. Students who speak at inappropriate times, sleep in class, display inattention, take frequent breaks, interrupt the class by coming to class late, engage in loud or distracting behaviors, use cell phones or pagers in class, use inappropriate language, are verbally abusive, display defiance or disrespect to others, or behave aggressively toward others could be asked to leave the class and may be subjected to disciplinary action under the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures."

K  FFF  Turn off those cell phones and pagers before class starts!  FFF  7

CMU Disability Accommodations

        CMU provides individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in educational programs, activities, and services.  Students with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should first register with the office of Student Disability Services (Park Library 120; phone 989-774-3018) and then contact the instructor as soon as possible.
CONTENTS

ANTHROPOLOGY MAJOR/ MINOR

       Students thinking about majoring or minoring in any branch of anthropology are strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible.  Inquiries may be directed to the instructor or to the Department office (Anspach 144; phone 774-3160).  Information on the major and minor is also available on the Department Web page.

CONTENTS

TEXTBOOKS

       Surprisingly, very few universities offer introductory undergraduate courses on the archaeology of the Americas, and textbook options that span the hemisphere are meager indeed. The text for this term has been assembled specifically for this class, as a compilation of relevant readings drawn from several introductory texts by reputable authors.

CONTENTS

ASSIGNED READINGS

       The required readings for each of the five units of ANT 175 are listed below in the course Schedule.

       It is helpful to at least glance through assigned sections of each text at the beginning of each of the five three-week units. Find out what the texts have to offer– maps, diagrams, illustrations, tables, time lines, definitions, discussions, etc.– to help you get more from the lectures and learn the material. Students are responsible for completing assigned readings prior to the scheduled test date. Unless announced otherwise in class, they may choose to do so any time during each three-week unit (before or after lectures on the subject, or both).

       Avoid getting bogged down in detail; important facts, figures, and dates needed for this course will be stressed in class. Generally speaking, test questions on the readings concern major points rather than specific details, except for details emphasized in class. Use readings– assigned or optional– as a resource to give you better control over subject matter covered in the classroom.

CONTENTS

INTERNET RESOURCES

     This Web page has been created specifically for ANT 175.  Most, but not all, internet resources for this course will be provided on this web page, which is in the public domain.  Certain resources may, however, are restricted to Blackboard (and therefore to students currently registered in ANT 175); the posting of any course information on Blackboard will be indicated in the Announcements section at the beginning of this web page.

     The internet resources made available to students of this course are among the most extensive for any course at CMU.  The course web page includes much of the information in the course syllabus, occasional special announcements, some (not all!) of the PowerPoint slides projected during lectures, and other resources to assist in studying and reviewing for tests. There is also a separate page containing links to other Web pages relevant to the course. These links are grouped by Units I-V and have been selected from what appear to be reputable sources. Many are Web sites about a specific archaeological site, in some cases one that is discussed in class and/or in the readings. Typically, they contain numerous photographs and other illustrations, background history, and summaries of recent or ongoing research. These Web sites are potentially another valuable learning resource; take advantage of them! The internet is continually changing, so you may find some of the listed Web sites no longer exist. Alternatively, you may follow other links to an excellent archaeological website not yet listed for the course. In either case, please bring this information to the attention of the instructor.

CONTENTS

MUSEUM RESOURCES

     The Museum of Cultural and Natural History is located in Rowe Hall in the northeast corner of campus, on Bellows near Mission. It is on the ground floor, in the north half of the building. Museum hours are normally 8-12 and 1-5, M-F. In addition, two highly relevant display cases on loan from the Museum are situated on the first floor of Anspach Hall opposite AN 162.  For years the Museum has been a valuable CMU resource, especially for ANT 175 students. Students should try to visit the Museum at least once early in the semester and wander through the exhibits to learn what is available and how it might relate to course material. Many students who major or minor in anthropology also choose to take a minor in Museum Studies. Inquiries about this and other programs should be directed to the Museum office, Rowe 103 (774-3829). 

     There is an ANT 175 Museum Essay option available, as described below.

 

CONTENTS

EVALUATION

        Student learning in ANT 175 will be evaluated on the basis of the following:

Tests

        There will be five tests which must be taken as scheduled (see below) unless special arrangements are made well in advance. The format for each test will be announced in class and may include multiple choice, true-false, matching, map, and/ or essay questions.

        Questions will be based largely but not entirely on material presented, discussed, or viewed in class. Assigned readings will be covered on a more general level, unless indicated otherwise in lecture. The grading scale for each test may be partially curved to take into account the performance of the class as a whole. This grading scale will generally be announced a few days after the test.

       Tests 1-4 will be given in class during the regular meeting time for each section. Test 5 will be given during finals week at specific test times are indicated in the table below. University regulations require that this last test be taken at the time and date indicated (see below), except under very limited circumstances.

Final Essay

       A final essay is to be written in class during the same class meeting when Test #5 is given.  This essay will be comprehensive in coverage, consisting of one or more questions about material covered any time during the semester.  Students will be given some guidance ahead of time on how to prepare for this essay.  The Final Essay and Test #5 will be graded separately but given at the same time during Finals Week.

Quizzes/ Assignments

         There may be occasional brief quizzes (flexible format) given any time in class (no quiz make-ups!). Quizzes may be on classroom material (covered earlier in the same class session or during previous classes) or on readings (any quizzes on reading assignments will be announced at least one class in advance). There may also be writing assignments from time to time that will be announced in class, to be submitted in a subsequent class meeting as announced. Penalties and restrictions will apply to submitting assignments late.  Please note:  as a matter of strict policy, assignments may NOT be submitted electronically via e-mail or attached files!

Museum / University Events Essay

       Students are required to do either (a) the Museum Essay OR (b) the University Events Essay. Students may discuss the museum/event with each other and share ideas but must write their essays themselves! Copying someone else’s essay is a serious breach of CMU’s policy on Academic Integrity (see above) and will be treated accordingly. Please do not send essays via e-mail; see note in previous paragraph.

(a) Museum Essay:  Tour the Museum; wander through the exhibits, look, read, listen.  The CMU Museum of Cultural and Natural History is located on the north half of the first floor of Rowe Hall, on Bellows Street.  The assignment consists of locating and visiting those displays that are most relevant to material covered in Units II and/or III and writing a short (2-3 pages, typed) essay discussing how the displays relate to ANT 175.  Don't miss the two exhibit cases temporarily "on loan" to Anspach, located in the corridor opposite Anspach 162,

(b) University Events Essay:  CMU students should try to participate in culturally diverse university events that take place on campus. Keep informed of relevant happenings on campus, via newspapers, bulletin boards or kiosks, CMU TV and radio announcements, and on-line calendars and announcements such as the CMU Portal, the CMU Events Calendar, the Office of Institutional Diversity, the Multicultural Education Center, and Native American Programs.  It is mainly the student's responsibility to find out about appropriate events.  ANT 175 students who attend an appropriate event for this course may submit a short (2-3 pages, typed) essay commenting on their impressions of it.  Feel free to ask the instructor if there is any doubt about the suitability of a particular event.

Study Tips

        To do well in this course, most students need effective study skills and must make a serious commitment to the class; there are many D’s, E’s, and withdrawals generated every semester by students who thought otherwise-- or just didn't think!  Some advice: 

Extra Credit

        As a matter of policy, there are seldom any extra credit option in this class. All students will therefore be graded on the same basis, and this basis is known in advance to all concerned. Occasionally, an extra credit option may be announced and made available to everyone but will not have a very substantial impact on final grade determinations. Do not expect to be able to offset poor test grades with extra credit!

 

Students are expected to attend all class sessions; poor attendance will result in substantially lower test grades! 
 

Final Grade Calculation

        Course grades will be determined as a weighted mean. This is done by first converting letter grades to a 0 - 4.3 scale (4.3=A+, 4.0=A, 3.7=A-, 3.3=B+, 3.0=B, etc.) and then weighting each grade approximately as indicated below. At the instructor’s discretion, these weighting factors (percentage of total course grade) may be adjusted for the class as a whole during the semester. Note that there is no "second curving" process at the end of the semester.

       The grading record for each student may be posted on the wall outside Anspach 118 and updated from time to time throughout the term. Entries are by a code number assigned to each student in the course,rather than by name. The posting of grades in this manner is optional; an authorization form will be circulated early in the semester, in which students may indicate their preference to be included in this list.

GRADE
COVERAGE 
WEIGHT 
Test #1
Test #2
Test #3
Test #4
Test #5
Unit I
Unit II
Unit III
Unit IV
Unit V
12-14% of total grade
12-14% of total grade
12-14% of total grade
08-12% of total grade
12-14% of total grade
Quizzes/ Assignments Anything in Units I-V 20-25% of total grade
Final Essay Units I-V 8-10% of total grade
Museum OR
University Events
Essay
Concerns Units II-III 5-7% of total grade*
Any appropriate event
TOTAL 100%
CONTENTS

SCHEDULE

Note:  pagination in the course textbook is confusing; please check the assignment carefully!

UNIT I.  INTRODUCTION:  the Contact era; archaeology as anthropology; cultural evolution; archaeological record; survey, excavation, and analysis; dating; CRM; NAGPRA.

»Textbook Readings [required]  

»Suggested Reserve Readings [optional]  

»Lectures: Weeks 1-3

»Test #1

UNIT II.  PEOPLING OF THE AMERICAS:  Old World origins; Pleistocene environments; migration routes; pre-Clovis controversy; Paleo-Indian life ways.

»Textbook Readings [required]  

»Suggested Reserve Readings [optional]

  • Fagan, B.M. (1987) The Great Journey: The Peopling of Ancient America, esp. Parts III (The Crossing) and IV (The First Americans), 99-198.
  • Feder, K.L. (2002) Frauds... Ch5, Who Discovered America?
  • Haag, W.G. (1962) The Bering Strait Land Bridge. Zubrow, 263-270.
  • Haynes, C.V. (1966) Elephant-Hunting in N. America. In Zubrow, 204-212.
  • Wheat, J.B. (1967) A Paleo-Indian Bison Kill [Olsen-Chubbuck]. In Zubrow, 213-221.
  • »Lectures: Weeks 4-6

    »Test #2

    UNIT III.  EASTERN NORTH AMERICA:  Archaic post-Pleistocene adaptations; Adena, Hopewell, and Mississippian cultures; European contact.

    »Textbook Readings [required]  

    »Suggested Reserve Readings [optional]  

    »Lectures: Weeks 7-9

    »Test #3

    UNIT IV.  MESOAMERICA:  regional geography; agricultural origins; Olmec chiefdoms; state formation at Teotihuacán; rise and fall of Maya civilization; Aztec empire.

    »Textbook Readings [required]  

    »Suggested Reserve Readings [optional]  

    »Lectures: Weeks 10-12

    »Test #4

    UNIT V:  ANDEAN SOUTH AMERICA:  Andean ecology; coastal chiefdoms; Chavín religious expansions; Moche state organization; later coastal and highland states; Inca empire.

    »Textbook Readings [required]  

    »Suggested Reserve Readings [optional]  

    »Lectures: Weeks 13-15

    »Test #5: Exam week, exam times assigned by section

    CONTENTS

    TESTING SCHEDULE

    *  *  *  *  *
    If your class regularly meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at either 8:00 or 9:30 AM:

     

    TEST/ QUIZ/ ASSIGNMENT DATE 

    LOCATION 

    Test #1 01/29/2008 (Tuesday) In class
    Test #2 02/19/2008 (Tuesday)
    Test #3 03/18/2008 (Tuesday)
    Test #4 04/03/2008 (Thursday)
    Test #5 See below
    Final Essay
    Quizzes Announced/Unannounced
    Museum / University Events Submit in class anytime by or before 11/20/2008 (Thursday)

    *  *  *  *  *
    If your class regularly meets on Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM:

    Test #1 09/17/2008 (Wednesday) In class
    Test #2 10/08/2008 (Wednesday)
    Test #3 10/29/2008 (Wednesday)
    Test #4 11/12/2008 (Wednesday)
    Test #5 12/10/2008 (Wednesday)
    Final Essay
    Quizzes Announced/Unannounced
    Museum / University Events Submit in class anytime by or before 11/19/2008 (Wednesday)

     

    FINAL EXAM WEEK SCHEDULE
    Course
    Ref. No.
    If your class meets
    regularly on ...
    Take Test #5 on ...
    Date/Time Location
    22045148 Tuesday & Thursday 08:00-09:15 AM Tuesday 12/09/2008 08:00 AM in class
    22045150 09:30-10:45 AM 10:00 AM
    22063091 Wednesday 06:00-08:50 PM Wednesday 12/10/2008 06:00 PM
    Note:  University regulations require that students and faculty adhere to this schedule; these are the times when Test #5 must be taken.  Please arrive promptly at the start of your test period!
    CONTENTS

    SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS

         Students seeking additional readings may wish to consult these introductory, general-interest texts.  Some are referenced in the suggested reserve readings above. They are not required for class.

    *Books available at Reserve Desk in CMU library.