Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - ARCH 378 D100

Pacific Northwest North America (3)

Class Number: 4635

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 273.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The prehistory and cultural traditions of the region. The content, antecedents, relationships, and changes in these cultures through time. Technological, socio-economic, and environmental factors in culture growth.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines the cultural traditions of Pacific Northwest North America, as represented by the archaeological record.  It will include an overview of the geography, ethnography, culture history, and archaeology of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, with emphasis on the Pacific Coast. This will be supplemented by examination of selected thematic topics such as early human occupation, technological traditions, social complexity, intensification, trade, warfare, and slavery.

Grading

  • Participation 20%
  • Map Quiz: People and Places 15%
  • Research Paper/Presentation 40%
  • Paper Outline 10%
  • Annotated Bibliography 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no textbook for this course.  All required readings will be available online through the SFU Bennett Library, CANVAS, and SFU Archaeology Press.


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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.