Outline of Archaeology of the Americas - obligatory lecture 2800-AOAMER-2BA
During the course, an outline of the archaeology of North, Central and South America will be offered, focusing on the most developed cultural regions of the two continents, i.e. Mesoamerica and the Central Andes. The most important processes such as populating of the Americas, domestication of plants and animals, introduction of metallurgy, and intercultural or interregional contacts will be discussed. The major topics include: archaeology of the Americas: history of research; division into geo-cultural regions; populating of the Americas; domestication of plants and animals; introduction of pottery and metallurgy; characteristics of the most important pre-Columbian cultures of North, Central and South America; the Conquest of the New World; Polynesia: populating, cultural diversity, possible contacts.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
After completion of the course the student shall:
- Know about the american cultural areas, their definitions, and major epistemological problems;
- Understand the nature of modern inquires into the archaeological material and their effect in American Archaeology;
- Be able to differentiate between various cultures from both the North and South America, and to recount major events and points of discussion in regard to their past.
Assessment criteria
- Winter Semester -
A short written form (3600 signs, ca. 2 standard pages) on one of the topics presented during the course. The final grade will depend on correct and thorough selection of arguments as well as proper usage of the scientific apparatus (citations, bibliography, etc).
- Summer Semester -
A short written form and public presentation on one of the topics presented during the course. The final grade will depend on correct and thorough selection of arguments as well as proper usage of the scientific apparatus (citations, bibliography, etc).
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: