Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - ARCH 365 D100

Archaeological Perspectives on Human Ecology (3)

Class Number: 4598

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 22, 2024
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 101 or ARCH 201; or any two of ARCH 100, REM 100, GEOG 100, EVSC 100; and 45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines methods, theories, and concepts for understanding how past cultures interacted with their bio-physical surroundings. Integrates diverse kinds of data and knowledge to understand these relationships. Topics to be addressed include local and traditional ecological knowledge, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, human-environment interaction, human-induced environmental changes, paleodiet, and domestication.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will examine methods, theories, and concepts for understanding how past cultures interacted with their bio-physical surroundings. Lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments will integrate diverse kinds of data and knowledge derived through archaeology, anthropology, ethnohistory, and historical ecology. A variety of case studies (presented in films, lectures, and readings) from throughout the world will be used to examine human-environment interaction, human-induced environmental changes, traditional ecological knowledge, hunting, gathering, fishing, and domestication. Methods used in reconstruction of paleoenvironments and paleodiet will also be disucssed. Students will be evaluated on the basis of two exams and a research paper.

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 35%
  • Research Paper 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook for this course.  Weekly readings will be from electronic publications available through the SFU Library.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html