MODULE#11: INTERACTIONS AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS
A. Overview: In this module students will learn about how we study ancient people on a more personal level. We will look at detailed studies of the health, diet, and activities of individual people and learn how about social ranking is understood through burials and associated grave furniture. We will discuss the archaeology of gender and ethnicity as a means of identifying changing roles in the past and of studying individuals in prehistory. We will also look at trade and exchange as important means of human interaction from the earliest times. Trade is normally recognized in the archaeological record by the discovery of exotic objects far from their places of origin.
B. Objectives:
1. Describe the findings archaeologists have made about Otzi the Ice Man as an example of what we can learn about individuals.
2. Explain how archaeology can find evidence for social ranking.
3. Distinguish between the terms sex and gender.
4. Analyze the archaeology of inequality and ideologies of domination.
5. Discuss exchange systems used in the past.
C. Principles:
1. Basic archaeological skills: online excavation project
2. Diverse interests: consider different interest groups involved in social stratification, gender, etc.
3. Social relevance: compare with modern day issues
D. Instructional Procedures: This module is primarily lecture and student activity. Throughout the lecture, students are asked questions to ensure they are grasping the concepts introduced. It is important to tie in real world experiences to the content, so the questions ask the students to think of some of the concepts in the context of today's world. Powerpoint is useful to help identify concepts but the lecture can be taught with traditional technology (whiteboard, etc.).
E. Assessment: Students will be assessed by continuing their excavation of Occaneechi Town and their out-of-class assignment on trade
F. Lecture Outline: Interaction and Social Systems
1. Discuss what can be learned about individuals (Otzi/Iceman)
2. Describe social ranking and social stratification and how it is studied (mortuary studies; grave goods)
3. Provide examples of social ranking and social stratification: Aztec, China, Cahokia, Mississippian
4. Discuss how gender is studied and identified (socially and culturally constructed; gender roles) (Abu Hureyra (grinding grain), Aztec)
5. Discuss in more detail than in previous module evidence for trade and exchange systems (obsidian sourcing, Mediterranean, etc.)
G. Activities: Continue online excavation and analysis of Occaneechi Town
H. Readings: Fagan, Chapter 10