200-level courses

AR202 Archaeological Mysteries: Pseudoscience and Fallacy in the Human Past ♣
This Course investigates pseudoscientific claims about the past based on case studies claiming to solve archaeolgical mysteries, and subjects them to the test of evidence using the scientific method. Topics: Atlantis, ancient extraterrestials, Pyramids, Stonehenge, crop marks, Noah’s Ark, etc. (4.0/Lecture)

AR205 Origins of Civilization ♣
The comparison of origins and institutions of civilizations in the Old and New Worlds, including the first state-organized societies of Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, China, the Aegean, Mesoamerica, and Peru. (4.0/Lecture)

AR206 Ancient Technology ♣
Traces the related evolution of technology and culture over the first million years of human existence. Case studies focus on the interaction between early technology and social structure, values, and institutions. Lectures and hands-on experience with ceramics, stone, and metallurgy. (4.0/Lecture)

AR208 Lost Languages and Decipherments ♣
An overview of the archaeology of writing focusing on modern decipherments of ancient texts. Related topics include characteristics of the world’s major language families, the nature of linguistic change, and the origin and history of the alphabet. (4.0/Lecture)

AR209 The Near East Bronze Age
Examines the wealth and power of the ancient Near East and Egypt during the Bronze Age. Topics include the establishment of power, long distance exchange and interaction, ethnicity, architecture, and environmental and ecological factors affecting the civilizations. (4.0/Lecture)

AR 210 Minoan and Mycenaean Civilizations ♣
Traces the rise and fall of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations from their Stone Age roots to the end of the Bronze Age. Subjects include art, architecture, economic, social, political, and religious characteristics, and theoretical explanations of cultural change. (4.0/Lecture)

AR 215 The Contested Past ♣
Examination of the diverse and often conflicting values associated with archaeological objects, ancient monuments, and cultural sites. Case studies (including the Elgin Marbles) highlight contemporary controversies over ownership, appropriation, use, and abuse of the material remains of the past. (Course fulfills department topical requirements.) (4.0/Lecture)

AR221 Archaeology of the Islamic World ♣
An overview of the Archaeology of the Islamic world during 7th to 18th centuries CE. Focus on ancient cities, religious and secular buildings like gardens, palaces, forts, mausoleums and mosques and study of ceramics, calligraphy, metal and glassware, trade routes and Islamic crafts. (Course fulfills department area or topical requirements.) (4.0/Lecture)

AR222 Art and Architecture of Ancient America ♣
This course will introduce the major styles and monuments of the art and architecture of ancient Mesoamerica and the Andes from the first millennium BC to the 16th century AD Major areas to be studied include Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru. (4.0/Lecture)

AR230 Archaeology of Classical Civilizations ♣
An introduction to Classical antiquity through the material remains of the period, ca. 1500 BC to AD 400. Chronological survey of the magnificent (palaces, temples, and major arts) and the mundane (pots, coins, tolls, weapons) as evidenced in the archaeological record. Special emphasis on daily life and on relations between Greco-Roman and other cultures. (4.0/Lecture)

AR232 Archaeology of Ancient Egypt ♣
The technology, economy, social life, political organization, religions, art, and architecture of Egypt from predynastic times through the Hellenistic period, based on archaeological and historical sources. Emphasis on the period of the Pharaohs (ca. 3200-323 BC). (4.0/Lecture)

AR240 The Archaeology of Ancient China ♣
This course examines the Archaeology of Ancient China from the Neolithic through the Bronze Age (7000 to 221 BCE). Particular attention will be paid to the interaction between technology and the acquisition of political, religious, and social power. (4.0/Lecture)

AR251 Ancient Maya Civilization ♣
A survey of current knowledge and scholarship about the Maya civilization, which flourished in Central America between 250-900 AD, its earlier beginnings and subsequent collapse, and aspects of its economic and social basis and artistic and intellectual achievements. (4.0/Lecture)

AR252 Ancient Aztec and Inca Civilizations ♣
The conquests, trades, society, history and religion, art and architecture of the ancient Aztec and Inca empires in Mexico and Peru, as revealed archaeologically and in the accounts of their Spanish conquerors. (4.0/Lecture)

AR261 Heritage of Asia ♣
Outstanding archaeological sites and monuments in Asia, highlighting their cultural significance, uniqueness and diversity. Includes selected sites in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. (Course fulfills department area requirements.)  (4.0/Lecture)

AR262 Asian Gods & Goddesses ♣
Representation, meaning, and mystery of gods and goddesses of South and East Asian cultures, from prehistory to the present. Mother, fertility, and tree goddesses; deities of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Evidence from archaeology, rock engravings, religious shrines, and other sources. (4.0/Lecture)

AR270 Archaeology of the Age of Exploration ♣
Archaeological evidence for Columbus’ voyage and its aftermath. Topics include coastal exploration, early settlement, and cultural contacts between Europeans and Native Americans. Evidence from both land and underwater excavations will be presented. (4.0/Lecture)

AR273 Archaeology of the Viking Age ♣
Archaeological evidence of Viking life and culture. Topics include home life, ships and shipbuilding, trade, warfare, religion, art, colonization; detailed examination of major terrestrial and underwater archaeological excavations in Europe, Greenland, and North America. (4.0/Lecture)

AR280 Food, Diet and Ancient People ♣
A survey of the archaeological evidence for the food, diet, and nutrition of hunter/gatherers and the changes brought about by the development of farming. Emphasis on the remains of plants, animals, and humans and what they tell us about ancient foods. (4.0/Lecture)