2024 Archaeology & Biological Anthropology A

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Academic unit or major
Humanities and social science courses
Instructor(s)
Loftus James Frances 
Class Format
Lecture    (Face-to-face)
Media-enhanced courses
Day/Period(Room No.)
Mon5-6(WL2-401(W641))  
Group
-
Course number
LAH.T116
Credits
1
Academic year
2024
Offered quarter
2Q
Syllabus updated
2024/4/2
Lecture notes updated
-
Language used
Japanese
Access Index

Course description and aims

This course introduces the interdisciplinary study of Archaeology and Biological Anthropology, with a focus on understanding human health, adaptation, and culture through the examination of material culture and human skeletal remains. Students will explore the methods and theories employed in archaeological and biological anthropological research, gaining insights into the ways in which past populations adapted to their environments, interacted with one another, and expressed their cultures through material remains.

Student learning outcomes

1. To familiarize students with the key pillars of Archaeological and Biological Anthropological practice
2. To develop critical thinking and analytical skills through the analysis of material culture and human skeletal remains evidence
3. To encourage students to engage in scholarly debates on current ethical issues in Archaeology and Biological Anthropological

Keywords

Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Skeletal Remains, Material Culture

Competencies that will be developed

Specialist skills Intercultural skills Communication skills Critical thinking skills Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

1) Students are required to submit a comment paper with short questions or interests regarding the contents of the lecture. Discussion related to those questions will be conducted in the following class.
2) Due to the nature of the class contents, photos or discussions which some students may find upsetting will be utilized (human skeletons, human evolution, death, photos of diseases, etc.).

Course schedule/Required learning

  Course schedule Required learning
Class 1 What is Archaeology & Biological Anthropology? Understand the following: • Definition and scope of the disciplines • Historical development of Archaeological & Biological Anthropological methods
Class 2 Human Evolution and Biological/ Cultural Adaptations Understand the following: • Evolutionary trends in hominins • Earliest archaeological examples of anatomically modern humans
Class 3 Case Study 1: Hunter-Gatherer Society Understand the following: • Tracing percentage of hunter-gatherers over time • Diversity in hunter-gatherer societies across the world
Class 4 Case Study 2: The Neolithic Revolution Understand the following: • Origins and spread of agriculture • Human genetic and cultural adaptations to agricultural society • State formation and conflict
Class 5 Case Study 3: Ancient Identity Expression Understand the following: • Interpretation of cultural identity through relics and body modification • Burial practices, art, and artifacts of the Çatalhöyük site
Class 6 Archaeology and Biological Anthropology in the Modern World Discuss the following • Modern Applications of Archaeology & Biological Anthropology • The future of the fields • Ethical considerations in research
Class 7 Final Project and Review • Final project presentations • Course review and discussion

Out-of-Class Study Time (Preparation and Review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to course materials.

Textbook(s)

None

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Reference materials for the next class to be distributed in print form during the class

Assessment criteria and methods

Class engagement (in-class comment paper): 25%, Short report: 25%, Final Presentation: 50%

Related courses

  • LAH.S447 : Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences56:Archaeology & Biological Anthropology
  • LAH.T215 : Archaeology & Biological Anthropology B
  • LAH.T319 : Archaeology & Biological Anthropology C

Prerequisites (i.e., required knowledge, skills, courses, etc.)

No prerequisites

Contact information (e-mail and phone)    Notice : Please replace from "[at]" to "@"(half-width character).

loftus[at]ila.titech.ac.jp

Office hours

Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment

Other

There is a possibility that the class schedule may change

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