Course info

This course delves into the extensive and varied archaeological history of North America, examining human presence from the earliest migrations to the onset of European contact. Students will investigate significant cultural traditions across diverse regions, including the Arctic, Subarctic, Northwest Coast, Great Plains, Southwest, Eastern Woodlands, and California. Adopting an integrative approach that prioritizes both Western archaeological frameworks and Indigenous knowledge systems, the course aims to reframe traditional narratives. It seeks to cultivate a deeper understanding of cultural development, land stewardship, and identity formation in pre-contact North America. Special emphasis will be placed on Indigenous perspectives, oral histories, and collaborative methodologies that both challenge and enrich prevailing archaeological interpretations. [HSS]