Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 05/26/98
ASB235 19986-99999	LEC	3 Credit(s)	3 Period(s)
Southwest Archaeology
Anthropological perspective and comparative study of the cultures of prehistoric native peoples of the North American southwest. Prerequisites: None.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
ASB235   19986-99999	Southwest Archaeology

1.	Explain archaeological methods used to obtain information on the past. (I)
2.	Describe processes of archaeological research and interpretation. (I)
3.	Explain current archaeological theory regarding the origins of New World peoples and their times of arrival. (II)
4.	Analyze the relationship between environment and culture. (III)
5.	Describe the methods for obtaining food and technology and settlement patterns used by the Paleoindian and Archaic cultures. (IV)
6.	Characterize the Hohokam, Mogollon, and Anasazi cultures, and distinguish among them. (V)
7.	Describe the evidence for cultural contact between the major prehistoric groups in the Southwest. (VI)
8.	Evaluate different theories regarding the prehistoric abandonment of the Southwest. (VII)
9.	Describe the relationship of past cultures to present cultures. (VII)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
ASB235   19986-99999	Southwest Archaeology

I. Archaeological Method and Theory A. Excavation, survey, and inference B. Dating C. Artifacts and ecofacts D. Research II. Populating the New World A. Origins of New World peoples B. Diversification of culture C. Archaeological considerations III. Environmental Diversity in the Southwest A. Relationship of environment to culture B. Subsistence in southwestern environments IV. Early Southwest Groups A. Paleoindians B. Archaic culture V. Major Southwest Traditions A. Agricultural beginnings B. The Hohokam tradition 1. Location and environment 2. Cultural phases and characteristics 3. Relationship to present-day Native Americans C. The Mogollon tradition 1. Location and environment 2. Cultural phases and characteristics 3. Relationship to present-day Native Americans D. The Anasazi tradition 1. Location and environment 2. Cultural phases and characteristics 3. Relationship to present-day Native Americans E. Other prehistoric groups 1. Locations and environments 2. Cultural phases and characteristics 3. Relationship to present-day Native Americans VI. Synthesis A. An all-Southwest interpretation 1. Overall time frame 2. Evidence for cultural contacts 3. The pithouse to pueblo transition B. Theories as to relations between areas VII. Abandonment A. Time frame B. Theoretical causes C. Where did they go?

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