Introduction to archaeology through discoveries and the researchers who made them. Emphasis on methods of archaeological fieldwork and what these discoveries reveal about humanity, including the nature of archaeological inquiry, the development of human social groups, the changing role of religion in evolving societies, the origins of agriculture, the origins of settled life ways, the rise of cities and complex societies, political strife across different cultures and the forces which tend to fragment societies. Examples drawn from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. Prerequisites: None.

Interrelationship between humans and their environments, using archaeological data and case studies beginning with early hominids. Uses of research to identify environmental change and distinguish between climatic and human-induced global change. Explores ways in which prehistoric people caused and responded to environmental changes. Prerequisites: None.