Have sensationalized stories about archaeology, such as claims about Atlantis and Ancient Aliens, intrigued you? In this course, we explore extraordinary interpretations of archaeological remains that are popular subjects of news stories but considered fringe ideas by professional archaeologists. By investigating these fantastic claims, including ones that have proven to be correct, you will learn to be critical consumers of information about the past and to distinguish science from pseudoscience. You will also learn how archaeologists examine the lives of ancient people, as you hone your ability to identify fake news and frauds.

Course Requirements:

Student evaluation: midterm and non-cumulative final exam, online quizzes, four short article critiques, and participation. Canvas will be used for both lecture and discussion sections for synchronous content. Zoom will be used for synchronous meetings of weekly discussion sections. Students will need access to a camera (to view powerpoint slides and archaeological artifacts) and a microphone for the Zoom meetings.

Intended Audience:

No background in archaeology is needed, only a desire to think critically about the evidence and interpretations of our human past.

Class Format:

The lecture component of the course will be asynchronous using Canvas modules to deliver recorded and active learning content. Weekly discussion sections will be meet synchronously online. I would also like to meet with groups of students synchronously online during scheduled lecture times or during office hours. Assessments will be done asynchronously using Canvas quizzes and assignment with specific due dates.