Course Description

This course is a survey of human prehistory in the Old World (Africa, Asia, and Europe) from the beginnings of stone-tool culture in Africa 2.5 million years ago through the development of complex societies during the past 6,000 years. In particular, this course focuses on the relationships between prehistoric humans and their environments, the aspects of culture that distinguish each area, and the origins of and explanations for sedentism, food production, and complex society in the Old World. Prerequisite: ANTH 140.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will

• learn the temporal frameworks and techniques used in the study of Old World prehistory.
• become familiar with culture areas of the Old World.
• learn about the origins of plant and animal domestication and complex society in the Old World.
• prepare a research paper and oral presentation about a specific topic of Old World prehistory.

Grading

Your grade will be based on a total of three exams (two midterm and one final), each worth 100 points.  These exams will be non-cumulative, and will consist of multiple choice and short essay questions.  You will also be graded on one oral presentation (10-20 minutes) worth 50 points, which will include a 2-3 page written summary worth 50 points (including bibliography) of your presentation on a topic in Old World Archaeology.  You will also get credit (40 points) for participating in class discussions. Finally, you will complete 2 movie summaries.  These summaries are each worth 30 points, will be 300-400 words in length, and include a reference that relates to the topic of the movie.

Class Participation

You are expected to participate with regular class attendance, keeping current on all reading assignments, and active involvement is class discussions. 

Reading Materials

2005 Scarre, Chris (editor) The Human Past.  Thames and Hudson, London.

Other readings on Electronic Reserve.  Hunt, Patrick. (2007) Ten Discoveries that Rewrote History

All readings should be completed before the class in which they will be discussed.

Classroom Etiquette 

• You are expected to arrive to class on time, ready to start.

• Class is not over until class is over; please don’t get ready to leave before I indicate that we are done for the day.

• Expect that we will always be meeting for the full scheduled class period.

• While it is anticipated that the need to use the restroom during class may periodically arise, please keep personal breaks to a minimum, and do so only if absolutely necessary.

• No laptops computers allowed unless one is needed for authorized disability.

• Make sure that cell phones are turned off!

Other Important Information

•  The Center for Academic Development and Enrichment (formerly Learning Support Services) provides free academic services to students. If you need assistance and tutoring in writing, the Writing Center can help. For tutoring in subject areas and development of study skills, the Learning Center is a good resource. Both are located at 225 Alumni Hall.

•  Always save copies of your work.  It’s a good idea to print a hard copy, as well as save a copy on your computer, on a floppy or zip disk and to the network. A computer crash and loss of your work just before it is due is not an acceptable excuse for it being late.

• If, due to serious injury/illness or dire circumstances such as a death in the family, you will be absent for several classes, please communicate with me as soon as possible, and consider calling Student Development (119 Netzer, 436-2513), to advise them, and take advantage of their assistance.