ANTD33H3

Geoarchaeological Perspectives of Human-Environment Interactions

This course investigates global diversity in human-environment dialogues from a geoarchaeological perspective. We will emphasize the place of geoarchaeology in evolutionary anthropology, specifically addressing topics such as the role of fire in human evolution, human-ecosystem coevolution, societal resilience and collapse, and the developing Anthropocene. Through “hands-on” authentic research, the class will engage with the collection and interpretation of chronological, geochemical, biomolecular, micromorphological, and micro-sedimentary data for site formation processes, paleoenvironments, and human behaviors. We will collaborate on developing new geoarchaeological perspectives of the human-environment interactions unfolding along the eastern branch of Yat-qui-i-be-no-nick (Highland Creek) coursing through UTSC. How did Highland Creek shape cultures and societies through time? How did people shape the Creek’s environs?