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2025 (Current Year) 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
Media-enhanced courses
-
Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)
Class
-
Course Code
LAH.T215
Number of credits
200
Course offered
2025
Offered quarter
4Q
Syllabus updated
Mar 19, 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 from across the world 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

Student learning outcomes

実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)

The instructor has participated in numerous archaeological excavations and has extensive experience in digitizing important material cultural heritage to preserve the past for future generations.
This course integrates real-world case studies from the instructor’s fieldwork, providing students with tangible examples that directly connect course content to practical archaeological scenarios.

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 What is Archaeology & Biological Anthropology? Understand the following: •　Definition and scope of the disciplines •　Historical development of Archaeological & Biological Anthropological methods
Class 2 Human Evolution and Biological/ Cultural Adaptations Understand the following: •　Evolutionary trends in hominins •　Earliest archaeological examples of anatomically modern humans
Class 3 A World of Homo Sapiens Understand the following: •　How and why do humans migrate? •　What potential paths did we take in the past? •　How did our bodies and culture change? •　What is human “adaptation”?
Class 4 African Prehistory Understand the following: • Region Overview • Earliest Evidence of “Humans” • Out of Africa Theory • Stone tool technology
Class 5 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 6 European Prehistory Understand the following: • Region Overview • Neanderthals and Homosapiens • Paleolithic, Mesolithic & Neolithic • Copper, Bronze & Iron Ages
Class 7 Case study: Ethical questions in Archaeology & Biological Anthropology Discuss the following: • What potential issues are there with fieldwork in archaeology & biological anthropology?
Class 8 Near East and Eastern Mediterranean Understand the following: • Region Overview • The origins of agriculture & social stratification
Class 9 Case study: Preservation of Cultural Heritage Discuss the following: • Archaeological preservation methods • International heritage protection (UNESCO). • Heritage Protection in Japan
Class 10 South & Southeast Asian Prehistory Understand the following: • Region Overview • Earliest Human Presence • Indus Valley Civilization • Trade and Cultural Exchange
Class 11 Prehistory of the Americas & Indigenous Archaeology Understand the following: • Region Overview • Clovis culture • Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Inca • Agricultural innovations • Integrating indigenous knowledge with archaeological methods • Ethical engagement with indigenous communities
Class 12 Final Project Preparation & Q&A Session Conduct the following: •　Group discussion •　Choose final project themes
Class 13 East Asian Prehistory Understand the following: • Region Overview • Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site • Jomon, Yayoi, Kofun periods in Japan
Class 14 Final Project and Review Conduct the following: •　Final project presentations •　Course review and discussion

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.f.3f80[at]m.isct.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