2023-2024 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Nov 21, 2024  
2023-2024 Pierce College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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ANTH& 104 World Prehistory (5 credits)



Distribution Area Fulfilled Social Sciences; General Transfer Elective
Formerly ANTHR 105 - CCN

Course Description
An archaeological interpretation of the lifeways of our human ancestors from 3 million years ago to the development of written records.

Course Content
A. Scientific approaches to understanding the past
B. Survey of human paleontology and palaeoanthropology
C. Introduction to principles of scientific archaeology
D. Exploration of past lifeways of hominins: technology, subsistence, and culture
E. Trends in technological and cultural change over time
F. Human settlement of Australia, the Pacific Islands, and the New World
G. Late Pleistocene and post-Pleistocene adaptations: Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas
H. Origins of food production in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas
I. The beginnings of social complexity – Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe

Student Outcomes
1. Explain the elements of a scientific approach to understanding the past.

2. Use methods and theories of scientific archaeology and palaeoanthropology to construct the prehistoric past.

3. Identify, discuss, and explain past hominin lifeways, based on fossil and archaeological evidence.

4. Discuss the impact of climate change on human adaptation.

5. Identify and explain trends in cultural and technological change over time.

6. Identify and critically evaluate archaeological interpretations of human geographical expansion into Australia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas.

7. Identify and explain regional patterns of adaptation in the Mesolithic.

8. Explain what domestication, cultivation, and agriculture are and how they are identified in the archaeological record.

9. Discuss the emergence and evolution of food production in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

10. Define socio-cultural complexity and identify key archaeological correlates.

Degree Outcomes
Social Science: Graduates analyze and interpret social phenomenon using social science theories and methods.

Critical, Creative, and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.

Lecture Contact Hours 50
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 50

Potential Methods
A. Examinations
B. Quizzes
C. Individual written assignments / essays
D. Individual or group work in class
E. Research assignments
F. Class presentation
G. Large and small group discussions
H. Group assignments



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