2024 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Archaeology & Biological Anthropology B
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- James Frances Loftus
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 1-2 Mon / 1-2 Thu
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.T215
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 17, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course explores the dynamic journey of humanity from the origins of Homo Sapiens to the formation of early states. Through a global archaeological perspective, students will examine key developments, cultural innovations, and societal changes that shaped human history. The course aims to foster an understanding of the diverse archaeological evidence that illuminates the transition from mobile foraging societies to complex, organized communities.
Course description and aims
1.To create foundations of understanding of archaeological & biological anthropological practice across the world
2.To develop critical thinking regarding world-wide case studies of ancient human culture until state formation
3.To engage in group discussion and group projects regarding major ancient archaeological sites
Keywords
World Archaeology, Human History, Human Evolution & Adaptation, Cultural Change
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
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/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Course introduction & 5 Ws of Archaeology & Biological Anthropology | Understand the following: • Syllabus overview and course introduction • What is Archaeology & Biological Anthropology? • Who, what, when, where, why? |
| Class 2 | Human evolution, adaptation & migration | Understand the following: • How have humans evolved? • How did anatomically modern humans adapt to new environments? • Where and when did humans migrate? How did this impact out current world? |
| Class 3 | African Prehistory | Understand the following: • Region Overview • Earliest Evidence of “Humans” • Out of Africa Theory • Stone tool technology |
| Class 4 | Case study: Archaeological & Biological Anthropology Fieldwork | Discuss the following: • How is fieldwork conducted? • What tools do we use? • What does the future look like? |
| Class 5 | European Prehistory | Understand the following: • Region Overview • Neanderthals and Homosapiens • Paleolithic, Mesolithic & Neolithic • Copper, Bronze & Iron Ages |
| Class 6 | Case study: Ethical questions in Archaeology & Biological Anthropology | Discuss the following: • What potential issues are there with fieldwork in archaeology & biological anthropology? |
| Class 7 | Middle East & Central Asian Prehistory | Understand the following: • Region Overview • The origins of agriculture & social stratification |
| Class 8 | Case study: Preservation of Cultural Heritage | Discuss the following: • Archaeological preservation methods • International heritage protection (UNESCO). • Heritage Protection in Japan |
| Class 9 | South & Southeast Asian Prehistory | Understand the following: • Region Overview • Earliest Human Presence • Indus Valley Civilization • Trade and Cultural Exchange |
| Class 10 | Case study: Indigenous Archaeology | Discuss the following: • Integrating indigenous knowledge with archaeological methods • Ethical engagement with indigenous communities |
| Class 11 | Prehistory of the Americas | Understand the following: • Region Overview • Clovis culture • Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Inca • Agricultural innovations |
| Class 12 | East Asian Prehistory | Understand the following: • Region Overview • Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site • Jomon, Yayoi, Kofun periods in Japan |
| Class 13 | Course Summary & Public Archaeology | Discuss the following: • Final summary of course • How is Archaeology and Biological Anthropology done differently in different regions? • What is “Public Archaeology”? • How is Archaeology useful for local people? |
| Class 14 | Group Presentations & Discussion | Conduct the following: • Groups choose one theme to present on |
Study advice (preparation and review)
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
Textbook(s)
None
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Reference materials for the next class to be distributed in print form during the class
Evaluation methods and criteria
Class engagement (in-class comment paper): 25%, Short report: 25%, Final Presentation: 50%
Related courses
- LAH.S447 ： Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences56:Archaeology & Biological Anthropology
- LAH.T116 ： Archaeology & Biological Anthropology A
- LAH.T319 ： Archaeology & Biological Anthropology C
Prerequisites
No prerequisites
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
loftus[at]ila.titech.ac.jp
Office hours
Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment
Other
There is a possibility that the class schedule may change