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.
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
Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Skeletal Remains, Material Culture
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
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 | |
---|---|---|
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 |
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.
None
Reference materials for the next class to be distributed in print form during the class
Class engagement (in-class comment paper): 25%, Short report: 25%, Final Presentation: 50%
No prerequisites
loftus[at]ila.titech.ac.jp
Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment
There is a possibility that the class schedule may change