Course Syllabus

Course Information
ISGS 3384-001 Introduction to North American Archaeology
Fall 2010; Wednesdays 2:30 to 5:30 pm in GR 2.530

Professor Contact Information

Dr. John Kolar; 972-566-6721
jck014400@utdallas.edu; john.kolar@hcahealthcare.com
Office Hours: by appointment

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

none

Course Description
This course is an introduction to the prehistory of North America from the entrance of the first
people into the New World more than10,000 years ago, to the arrival of European explorers and
settlers and their impact upon native cultures. This course is designed for anyone with an interest
in the archaeology of North America and does not assume previous knowledge of the field.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

1. The students will be able to differentiate basic archaeolgical theories and methodologies.
2. The students will analyze prehistoric trade networks and their impact upon the diffusion of
cultural phenomena.
3. The students will learn to evaluate the differences between scientific and popular depictions of
prehistoric societies.

Required Textbooks and Materials

1. Brian Fagan, Ancient North America, 4th edition. Thames & Hudson
2. W. Michael Gear & Kathleen O'Neal Gear, People of the Nightland.

Suggested Course Materials

none

Course Syllabus Page 1

Assignments & Academic Calendar
Month Date Topic, Assignment, Due Date(s), Exam Date(s)
August 25 Introduction Read Fagan Chapters 2-3
September 1 Technology
September 8 Peopling of the New World Chapter 4
September 15 Paleo-Indians Chapter 5
September 22 The Archaic Tradition I Chapters 6, 10, 11
September 29 The Archaic Tradition II Chapters 12,13,16,17
October 6 MIDTERM EXAM
October 13 Agriculture - The Southwest Chapters 14,15
October 20 Agriculture - The Great Plains Chapter 7
October 27 Agriculture - Eastern Woodlands Chapters 18, 19, 21
Algonquians and Iroquois
November 3 Complex Societies Chapter 20
Book Review Due
November 10 The Far North Chapters 8,9
November 17 European Contact/Historical Archaeology Chapters 1,22
November 24 Mesoamerica
December 1 EXAM II

Grading Policy
1. 30 % mid-term exam. This will cover the first half of the semester's readings and lecture
material.
2. 30% Term paper. A critical book analysis of 10 -12 typwritten, double- spaced, 1 inch
margins, 12-point type, is due Nov. 3, between the mid- term and final exams. You will be given
a style sheet to follow in preparing your paper, including citations and references. ALL students
MUST submit a printed copy of the paper, including references, as well as submit the paper for
review on TURNITIN.com before turning it in to the instructor. Instructions for Turnitin.com will
be provided in class.
3. 30% final examination. The final will cover the second half of the readings and the lecture
material.
4. 10% for class attendance and participation.

Course & Instructor Policies

Make-up Exams - none unless medically warranted.
Extra Credit – none
Late Work - All papers and exams are due on the dates indicated, unless an extension has been
granted prior to the due date. Late papers without the instructor's approval will not be accepted
after the due date, and papers with an approved extension will have the grade reduced one full
letter grade for each day that it is late.
Class Attendance - If you miss three or more classes then your final grade will be dropped a full
letter grade e.g. A+ to B+
Classroom Citizenship - Cell Phones are to be turned off during class time. Ringing phones will
lead to a loss of an attendance point for that day.

Off-campus Instruction and Course Activities

none

Course Syllabus Page 2

Policies and Procedures for Students

The University of Texas at Dallas provides a number of policies and procedures designed to provide
students with a safe and supportive learning environment. Brief summaries of the policies and procedures
are provided for you at http://provost.utdallas.edu/home/index.php/syllabus-policies-and-procedures-
text and include information about technical support, field trip policies, off-campus activities, student
conduct and discipline, academic integrity, copyright infringement, email use, withdrawal from class,
student grievance procedures, incomplete grades, access to Disability Services, and religious holy days.
You may also seek further information at these websites:
http://www.utdallas.edu/BusinessAffairs/Travel_Risk_Activities.htm
http://www.utdallas.edu/judicialaffairs/UTDJudicialAffairs-HOPV.html
http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/copypol2.htm
http://www.utdallas.edu/disability/documentation/index.html

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.

Course Syllabus Page 3