SOAN 220 - World Prehistory

The subject matter of World Prehistory is the archaeological record produced by behaviorally modern humans (Homo sapiens) over the last ^~150,000 years and their hominin ancestors in the previous 4-6 million years. This course is a survey of what we think we know about the large scale pattern of biological evolution of our capacity for complex social and cultural behaviors among our hominin ancestors and subsequent patterns of sociocultural change among humans, particularly those related to the transition from hunting-gathering-fishing to food producing and eventually state formation. Interactions between humans and their environment and the role of population density in adaptation are central themes. As a 200-level class in Sociology/Anthropology major, it is also designed to build critical thinking skills through assignments that focus on analyzing and developing arguments based on evidence and careful reasoning.

Credit(s): 3
Disciplinary Perspective(s):
Social
Interconnecting Perspective(s):
Intercultural
University Graduation Requirement(s):
None

Term Offered: Fall