Spring 2025 - ARCH 100 OL01

Ancient Peoples and Places (3)

Class Number: 4885

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A broad survey of human cultural development from the late Palaeolithic/PalaeoIndian periods (ca 40,000 BP) to the rise of civilization and empires, in both the Old and New Worlds. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

When does artwork first appear, and what did it mean?  Did the Nazca peoples of Peru really construct giant lines on the desert floor so these could be observed from above?  Was corn really domesticated to make alcohol?  What caused the highly advanced Classic Maya civilization to collapse (and did this really happen)?  This course offers students a glimpse into the human past, from the outcompeting of our Neandertal cousins to the rise of ancient civilizations.  Along the way, we will cover topics ranging from the spread of humans into the Americas to the development of food production; from the earliest writing to the creation of Stonehenge and other monuments; from the creation of ancient calendar systems to the practice of human sacrifice. Cultures discussed include the Egyptians, Maya, Mesopotamians, cliff dwellers of the American Southwest, the Moche and Inca civilizations of the Andes, and Roman Pompeii.

Grading

  • Exam I 33%
  • Exam II 33%
  • Exam III 34%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

This course does not have a textbook.  Instead, a variety of outside sources, including articles, short videos, and web resources will be provided on Canvas for each course module.


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

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.