Course Overview

ARCHY 325/525: Archaeology of Island Southeast Asia and the Pacific

University of Washington—Winter 2006

 

Overview

Schedule

Assignments

Discussion

Links

 

Classroom: Mary Gates 251

Meeting times:   Mon., Wed., 10:30 AM – 12:20 PM  

plus Thurs., 10:30-11:20 for those enrolled in ARCHY 525 (Suzzallo 328)

                       

Instructor: Peter V. Lape          

Office: Denny 138

Office hours: Wednesdays 2-4 PM

Office phone: 206-685-9364; lab: 685-2282

Email: plape@u.washington.edu


 

Course summary:

This course reviews the history of the human occupation of the Indo-Pacific region, especially Island Southeast Asia, Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia. We will focus on the current debates about island biogeography, human migrations, long distance maritime trade, political structures, culture contact and colonialism, with an emphasis on the analysis of the primary archaeological and documentary data.

 

Learning goals:

Understand the geography and chronology of the human occupation of the Indo-Pacific region as known from current archaeological data, as well as from genetic, linguistic and documentary evidence. Examine the limits of that data, and current questions and debates in the archaeology of the region. Develop ability to apply skills learned to other geographical regions. Develop analytical reading, writing and public speaking skills.

 

Course requirements (see Assignments page for details):

            1.   Read and be prepared to discuss assigned readings for each class meeting

2.       Submit a discussion question or response related to each day’s readings to the electronic discussion board

3.       Pass a quiz on the geography of the region

4.       Write a 4-6 page position paper

5.       Write a 10-15 page final paper on the topic of your choice relevant to the archaeology of the region

 

Additional requirements for Archy 525 students:

1.       Meet with me weekly during the quarter to discuss class topics in depth (time and place tba)

2.       Read all required AND additional readings

3.       Present a summary of the additional readings to the class

4.       Present your final paper to the class

 

Other things you should know about the class:

·         This class will be primarily a seminar discussion format. This format works best if everyone does the reading and comes to class prepared to talk. There is an on-line discussion board to accommodate extended discussions that go beyond our allotted time, but the focus of the class will be face-to-face interaction.

·         It is imperative that everyone respects the diverse viewpoints of other seminar participants.

·         I understand that some students may have to occasionally miss class meetings, but ask that you email me in advance if you cannot make it to class. I often plan discussions with specific students in mind, and need to know if you are not going to be there.

·         I will not accept late assignments without prior approval.

·         I welcome ongoing feedback about the class. Please feel free to send me suggestions for improvement at any time during the quarter.

 

Student Assessment:

            20% class participation (including presentations by Archy 525 students)

            20% discussion questions

            10% geography quiz

            20% position paper

            30% final paper (including presentations by Archy 525 students)

                       

Texts: The book listed below is available for purchase at the University Book Store and is also on reserve at the Odegaard Undergraduate Library. Other readings will be available electronically via the links on the course schedule page.

 

Kirch, Patrick

2000   On the Road of the Winds: An Archaeological History of the Pacific Islands before European Contact. University of California Press, Berkeley.

 

Maps: You will soon realize the importance of geography in the study of Pacific archaeology. One map that covers most of the region is the Pacific Ocean, scale: 1:30,000,000 published by Hema Maps, but you may also want to get some smaller scale regional maps, such as those in the Nelles series.

 

Electronic Discussion:

An electronic bulletin board for this class can be found under the Discussion link. This is where you will post your bi-weekly discussion questions and is also a place where conversations can be extended beyond class time.