Collaboration across STEM and Liberal Arts: Decoding Human Evolution & Culture through Innovative Science & Technology [1]

Academic unit or major

Humanities and social science courses

Instructor(s)

James Frances Loftus

Class Format

Lecture

Media-enhanced courses

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Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)

Class

-

Course Code

LAH.C661

Number of credits

100

Course offered

2025

Offered quarter

4Q

Syllabus updated

Mar 19, 2025

Language

English

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

This course is a 1-credit course.
Only students who meet the conditions ① and ② can enroll.
① Be enrolled before 2022.
② You must have already earned one credit in a liberal arts advanced subject.
Students enrolled in 2023 or later cannot take this course.

［Collaboration across STEM and Liberal Arts］are study group-type subjects that started in 2024. Each time, students will engage in discussions with guest lecturers who are active leaders in their various fields. Together with participating doctoral graduate students, we will explore new developments and possibilities in convergence science.
The maximum number of students is 50 per class. If the number is exceeded, a lottery will be held.

Group work will be conducted in English. Moderators and instructors will give lectures in English, to be translated by ZOOM's translation function.
Students will take an e-learning session on research ethics in the first class. Submission of the “session-completion certificate” is required.

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How can cutting-edge technology help us uncover the complexities of human evolution and culture?
This course explores the intersection of archaeology, biological anthropology, and advanced scientific methods to investigate the past in new and innovative ways. Though rooted in the humanities, both archaeology and biological anthropology are highly scientific disciplines that rely on rigorous methodologies, data analysis, and hypothesis testing to reconstruct past human lives. Students will examine how emerging technologies, such as 3D scanning, photogrammetry for artifact reconstruction, and AI-driven analyses of ancient DNA and migration patterns, are transforming our understanding of human history.
More importantly, students will explore how their own research can contribute to reshaping the study of the past.

Course description and aims

1.　Understand the fundamentals of archaeology and biological anthropology, and learn how these fields integrate with scientific technologies.
2.　Learn research methods related to past human societies using digital technologies and computational science.
3.　Adopt interdisciplinary approaches and develop ways to expand research perspectives.
4.　Learn practical applications of cutting-edge technologies in archaeology and biological anthropology research.

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

Archaeology & Biological Anthropology
Human Evolution & Culture
Computational & Digital Approaches
Technology & Innovation
Ancient Societies

Competencies

• Specialist skills
• Intercultural skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

This course consists of 7 live classes conducted via Zoom, held on Mondays.
The class starts at 13:30 (5th-6th period) and ends around 17:05 (7th-8th period).
The duration of each class is 200 minutes.
Participation in the first class is mandatory.

＊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

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 textbooks and other course material.

Textbook(s)

Please refer to the references provided in the course schedule
Necessary references will be provided before or during class

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Please refer to the references provided in the course schedule
Necessary references will be provided before or during class

Evaluation methods and criteria

Class engagement (in-class comment paper): 50%
Final project: 50%

Related courses

• LAH.S447 ： Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences56:Archaeology & Biological Anthropology
• LAH.T116 ： Archaeology & Biological Anthropology A
• LAH.T215 ： Archaeology & Biological Anthropology B
• LAH.T319 ： Archaeology & Biological Anthropology C

Prerequisites

While there are no specific instructions, note that English is the primary language used in this course, please make sure you feel confident conducting group work in English.

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

The guest speakers and lecture contents are yet to be determined.
Once decided, this syllabus will be updated.