Not offered 2007-2008
CHEM 262T Applying the Scientific Method to Archaeology and Paleoanthropology (Same as Anthropology 262T) (W)
How do we `know' early hominids migrated from Africa to Europe? What's the origin of Grecian pottery glazes? Archaeological studies of human environmental impact include
materials as recent as nineteenth century glass, or as ancient as hundred-thousand year old
stone tools. Paleoanthropology, the study of early humans, covers materials that are millions
of years old. Natural science can answer many questions, not just how old an object is, but
also where, how and sometimes why an object was made. These answers in turn tell us
about patterns of human development and settlement, and also help us distinguish forgeries
from genuine artifacts. Understanding when we do not know an answer is also important.
This tutorial will introduce science students to interesting applications, and introduce
students from anthropology, art history, or just possessing general curiosity to the methods
and limits of `scientific analysis'. Given the wide scope of this field, students will decide
some of the topics. Papers will be thoroughly edited for style, grammar and syntax, as well
as the quality of argument. Students will improve their writing by integrating into successive
papers the editorial comments they receive and also by editing the writing of their tutorial
partners.
Format: tutorial. Evaluation will be based on five 5- to 6-page papers.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 10 (expected: 10). Preference given to sophomores.
SKINNER