The evolutionary history of the order Primates, a group of mammals that includes humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians. Through the study of the fossil record, illuminated by the principles of modern evolutionary and ecological theory, we can reconstruct a broad outline of how primates originated and how they have diversified into more than 200 living species.

When this course is taught as a split level, additional requirements for graduate students: Additional assignments/projects will be given to graduate students.

Archaeological geology examines the use of earth science methods and theories in the study of archaeological sites and their contents. The four major areas covered include: (1) the archaeological site and geology; (2) age determination techniques; (3) exploration techniques; (4) artifact characterization.

When this course is taught as a split level, additional requirements for graduate students: (a) complete additional examination materials (b) complete and orally present a professional-quality paper on an archaeological geology topic.

Through hands-on experience, students will be trained in different methods and techniques for conducting all phases of archaeological field and laboratory work, including surface survey, remote sensing, excavation, data and material recovery, recording, processing, and analysis. Students also will learn how different archaeological methods and techniques have changed over time. Non traditional format: Lectures will be supplemented with hands-on field and lab experiences.

When this course is taught as a split level, additional requirements for graduate students: Graduate students will be required to supervise the field and lab work of undergraduate students to develop leadership skills. Non traditional format: Lectures will be supplemented with hands-on field and lab experiences.

The role of disease in the human experience. Students will draw on information from medical anthropology, epidemiology, human adaptation, disease ecology, and evolutionary biology to examine how diseases have been shaped by human-environmental interactions, culture, individual behavior, and social and economic processes.

An introduction to methods of biomolecular analysis in archaeology, including ancient DNA, stable isotopes, organic residues (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates), and amino acids. The course will also cover applications such as dating, dietary and paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and challenges in interpretation.

When this course is taught as a split level, additional requirements for graduate students: Graduate students are expected to complete a research proposal, an outline, annotated bibliography, and preliminary draft throughout the semester, culminating in a 20-page research paper at the end of the course.

Two indigenous urban societies of the Americas, from farming village beginnings to the Spanish conquest, and their lasting impact on modern middle American culture. Topics include ecology, economy, political organization, urbanism, militarism, beliefs, art, architecture, and literature.

When this course is taught as a split level, additional requirements for graduate students: Graduate students will have more advanced readings and will write an original research paper drawing on primary source materials and suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Students will become informed users of the historical record of human resource use and of environmental change and stasis that is available from archaeological sites with emphasis on biological data from archaeological sites, the dynamic relationships between humans and their environments, and current environmental issues.

Supervised work experience with a natural history collection. Students will learn techniques and other procedures for curating materials in a collection of their choice under the direction of collection personnel. Non traditional format: Students will maintain regular, weekly work schedules totaling 7 hours per week under the supervision of faculty and other collection personnel associated with the Museum of Natural History.

Provides a solid academic basis for the practice of cultural resource management (CRM) in North America and in a broader global context. The course will cover CRM from a conceptual standpoint; how current legislation affects CRM; and will integrate theoretical, practical, and ethical aspects of CRM.