ANTHROPOLOGY 255 WINTER 2021 ANTH 255: ATLANTIS, ALIENS, AND ARCHAEOLOGY Lecture: Monday/Wednesday TIME: 10:15-11:45am Labs: Thursdays at 10:15, 12:30, 2, 3:30 Meets on Synchronously on Zoom Image: Pyramid Takeoff by Meewtoo Instructor: Dr. Alison Carter GE: Tiyas Bhattacharyya Call me: Dr. Carter Call me: Tiyas (Tea-yahs) Pronouns: She/her/hers Pronouns: She/her/hers Office Hours: Mon/Wed 4-5pm or by appt. Office hours: Tuesday 3:30-4:30/Wed 3-4pm Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] COURSE DESCRIPTION There is a lot about the human past we don’t know, but does that mean aliens did it? Archaeology is the scientific study of human history and prehistory through material culture. Pseudoarchaeology misuses science, logic, and the archaeological record to create a misrepresentation or misinterpretation of the past. While some of these claims can capture the imagination or be entertaining, they can also perpetuate conspiracy theories, racist or nationalist beliefs, and misunderstandings of ancient cultures. In this class we will explore a variety of pseudoarchaeological case studies, including Atlantis and ancient aliens theories, in order to critically evaluate them. We’ll consider why some people are attracted to these theories, how they originated, and the “evidence” used to support them. In the process, we’ll also learn what proper archaeological research looks like. Students will learn valuable critical thinking and information literacy skills, while also learning how archaeologists think and what constitutes good archaeological research. 1 ANTHROPOLOGY 255 WINTER 2021 Required Textbook WHAT I WANT YOU TO GET OUT OF Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries. Science and THIS COURSE Pseudoscience in Archaeology. 10th Edition • A clear understanding of the difference (2020) by Kenneth L. Feder between science and pseudoscience, especially as it pertains to archaeology. • Recognize how archaeologists tackle complex topics scientifically (aka begin thinking like an archaeologist) • Understand and identify logical fallacies and how to avoid them in your own scientific thinking • Describe specific instances of pseudoarchaeology and understand how they exemplify pseudoscience • Be able to critically evaluate archaeological stories in the news/media so that you can distinguish reliable Additional course readings can also be found information from pseudoscience. on the course Canvas page. • Recognize the racist underpinnings of many pseudoarchaeological beliefs and *A 9th edition of this textbook is easily found identify how these can be (mis)used to online/used, but does have differences from reinforce ethnocentric ideologies. the 10th edition and is therefore not recommended for class. COURSE COMMUNICATION • Our class will communicate through our Canvas site. Announcements and emails are archived there and automatically forwarded to your UO email, and can even reach you by text. Be sure to check and adjust your settings under Account > Notifications. • Your primary contact for the logistics and content of this course is your GE. You can approach them first with questions about class during discussion section, office hours, and via email/Canvas. Dr. Carter is also happy to answer questions about class and talk with each of you more generally about archaeology during her student drop-in hours or by appointment. o See the Canvas link about communication in the “Start Here” module to get instructions on setting-up appoints for office hours and one-on-one meetings. • If you contact us with a question, we will try to respond within one business day. Your GE will typically provide feedback on assignments within one week. • Every Sunday Dr. Carter will send an email that previews our work and class content that week and a checklist of the week’s due dates. • If you experience Internet access challenges, you can reach Dr. Carter’s office phone at 541-346-5037. 2 ANTHROPOLOGY 255 WINTER 2021 HOW WILL CLASS WORK? Each Monday and Wednesday you should log into the class Zoom meeting at the start time (10:15am). The beginning of class will involve some review from the previous class. Following this, Dr. Carter will give a class lecture using PowerPoint. You are encouraged to use the Guided Notes Worksheets posted on Canvas to help follow along with course content. Throughout lecture, there will be small interactive activities, including polls or opportunities to make comments in the chat box. You are always welcomed to use the chat box to ask a question. There may also be additional small-group discussions using Breakout Rooms in Zoom. About halfway through each lecture, Dr. Carter will include a 5-minute technology/bathroom break. At the end of class, Dr. Carter will review upcoming material and deadlines. You can leave any lingering questions you have in the chat box so that Dr. Carter can address them in the next lecture. The class README document posted in the weekly modules on Canvas will have information about each class lecture, including any links discussed in class and some helpful guidelines and questions to keep in mind while completing the assigned readings. Your Lab/Discussion section meetings will work similarly. Log in to your assigned Discussion Section at the beginning of class time on Thursday. Four times throughout the term, you will work with your Small Group to complete a collaborative quiz during class time. Other weeks will involve a discussion activity related to a particular topic where you will complete and submit a worksheet with your group. These classes will frequently have assigned materials (readings or documentaries) to read/watch prior to class. What if you miss class? If you miss a lecture class, a recording of the Zoom will be posted on Canvas for your review, a handout of PowerPoint slides, and any related class materials. If you miss a discussion section during a quiz week, you should contact your GE about making up the quiz material independently within ONE WEEK of the missed quiz. If you miss a discussion section during a non-quiz week, a recording of the class will be posted on Zoom and you should contact your GE about doing the in-class activity worksheet independently within ONE WEEK of the missed class date. See “Deadlines and Late Policy” on Page 8. What if you miss an assignment or hand in something late? See “Deadlines and Late Policy” on Page 8. TECHNOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS Log into canvas.uoregon.edu using your DuckID to access our class. All course materials are on Canvas. If you have questions about accessing and using Canvas, visit the Canvas support page. Canvas and Technology Support also is available by phone or live chat: 541-346-4357 | livehelp.uoregon.edu If you face Internet access challenges companies are offering free access during this challenging time. To learn more about options visit Information Services’ web page on going remote. 3 ANTHROPOLOGY 255 WINTER 2021 GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR REMOTE CLASS PARTICIPATION 1. Participate and Contribute: Students are expected to participate by sharing ideas and contributing to the collective learning environment. This entails preparing, following instructions, and engaging respectfully and thoughtfully with others. More specific participation guidelines and criteria for contributions will be provided for each specific activity. 2. Use Proper Netiquette: Please use good “net etiquette”: identify yourself with your real name, write or speak in the first person when sharing your opinions and ideas but when addressing other students or discussing their ideas, use their names (e.g. "I think red is the most important term in the poem, but I also think Kate is correct that blue is important, too"). Respect the privacy of your classmates and what they share in class. Understand that we may disagree and that exposure to other people’s opinions is part of the learning experience. Good netiquette also means using humor or sarcasm carefully, remembering that non-verbal cues (such as facial expressions) are not always possible or clear in a remote context. In addition, your language should be free of profanity, appropriate for an academic context, and exhibit interest in and courtesy for others’ contributions. Be aware that typing in all capital letters indicates shouting. Certain breaches of netiquette can be considered disruptive behavior. 3. Interact Professionally: Our learning environment provides an opportunity to practice being professional and rigorous in our contributions. As much as possible, use correct spelling, grammar, and style for academic and professional work. Use discussions and activities as opportunities to practice the kind and quality of work expected for assignments. Moreover, seize the chance to learn from others and develop your interpersonal skills, such as mindful listening and awareness of one’s own tendencies (e.g. Do I contribute too much? Too little?). 4. Expect and Respect Diversity: All classes at the University of Oregon welcome and respect diverse experiences, perspectives, and approaches. What is not welcome are behaviors or contributions that undermine, demean, or marginalize others based on race, ethnicity, gender, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or socioeconomic status. We will value differences and communicate disagreements with respect. We may establish more specific guidelines and protocols to ensure inclusion and equity for all members of our learning community. 5. Help Everyone Learn: Our goal is to learn together by learning from one another. As we move forward learning during this challenging time, it is important that we work together and build on our strengths. Not everyone is savvy in remote learning, including your instructor, and this means we need to be patient with each other, identify ways we can assist others, and be open-minded to receiving help and advice from others. No one should hesitate to contact me to ask for assistance or offer suggestions that might help us learn better. Specific guidelines for best practices using Zoom: 1. Please test your video and audio prior to joining a live class session.