SCFC669
Archaeology of the American Southwest
Who were the cliff dwellers? Did the Aztecs really build Aztec ruins in New Mexico? Is there a ritual connection between Arizona and the ancient civilizations of Mexico? This course offers an introduction to some of the most fascinating archaeology of North America, including the Anasazi cliff dwellers of the four-corners region, the Hohokam of the southern Arizona desert, and the Mogollon—the makers of the famous Mimbres pottery of western New Mexico.
The sites we’ll discuss include Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, Pueblo Bonito, Snaketown, and many more.
Please note that enrolment in this course is limited to adults 55+.
| Section | Sessions | Dates | Time | Campus | Instructor(s) | Cost | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCFC669-VA1121 | 6 - Wed | Feb 22–Mar 28 | 11:30 am–1:20 pm | Van | David Maxwell | $104 | Closed |
You may take this course as part of the following program:
What will I learn?
We will examine the following topics and questions:
- What is archaeology? How do we find and date archaeological sites? How do we recognize artifacts?
- The early southwest and Paleoindian sites in Clovis, New Mexico
- Elephant hunting in Sonora, Mexico
- Sandia Cave and the origins of agriculture and the spread of maize
- Archaic occupations
- The Anasazi, Mesa Verde, Wupatki, Aztec Ruin, Salmon Ruin, Chaco Canyon, and Pueblo Bonito
- The Hohokam, Snaketown, Casa Grande, The Gila River area, The Phoenix Basin, and the The Tucson Basin
- The Mogollon, Mimbres pottery, the Mogollon Rim area, the Sinagua, and southwest connections with Mexico
- Southwest connections with the southeast (Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana)
- The Pueblo fall, the Athabaskan migration, the Navajo, and the Apache
- Modern Pueblo dwellers such as the Hopi and the Zuni
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Video clips and photos
- Discussion (may vary from class to class)
- Papers (applicable only to certificate students)
Who should take this course?
This course is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the development of ancient civilizations in the American Southwest.
How will I be evaluated?
(For certificate students only)
Your instructor will evaluate you based on an essay you will complete at the end of the course. You will receive a grade of “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory.”
Textbooks and learning materials
Reading material (if applicable) will be available in class. Some course materials may be available online.