States and Empires
Instructor: Dr. Christopher Fisher
Office, 217 Lowry Hall
Introduction: A critical juncture along the path of social evolution has been the formation of both prehistoric state and empire-level societies constituting a longstanding ‘critical issue’ in archaeology. This course is designed to introduce advanced undergraduate and graduate level students to basic questions facing researchers studying ancient complex societies. We will draw on readings from both the Old and New World to illuminate basic definitions, causal explanations, and organizational parameters for ancient states and empires
Required Texts:
1) Archaic States. Edited by Gary Feinman and Joyce Marcus. SAR Press, 1998. ISBN0-933452-99-32) Weekly readings placed on reserve in the Anthropology office (226 Lowry Hall).
This is a discussion based-course meaning that student participation is critical. To be successful in this course you must do the readings before each class. On a rotating basis students will be assigned readings and will be expected to summarize readings and facilitate discussions.
Course Requirements: One Exam, one exercise, one paper, presentation of readings
Your course grade will be based on one take-home exam, a take home exercise, a research paper., and your class participation. The exam will be a combination of short answer paired with essay questions. We will go over test format with sample questions in the last class prior to the exam.
The exercise will consist of an archaeological simulation requiring analysis of a data-set, evaluation, and a short (minimum) five page write-up. The exercise will be handed out on 10/7 and due on 10/28.
Term papers should evaluate a key theme discussed in class using archaeological data. Papers will be between 8-10 pages in length double-spaced with references. Short (1 page) paper proposals are due in class 9/23. During the following class (9/25) I will meet individually with students to confirm paper topics. Papers will be due 11/18 at the start of class – late papers will not be accepted.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please come meet with me during my office hours – or schedule a time if there is a conflict.
Week 1 (8/26, 8/28): Introduction and basic principles
Week 2 (9/2-no class, 9/4) Civilization
Week 3 (9/9, 9/11) Organizing principles/complexity
Week 4 (9/16, 9/18) State formation-causation
Week 5 (9/23, 9/25) States-economic organization – Paper proposals due
Week 6 (9/30, 10/2) States-craft specialization
Week 7 (10/7, 10/9 States-social/political organization – Exercise handed out
Week 8 (10/14, 1016) States-environmental organization
Week 9 (10/21, 10/23 City-states
Week 10 (10/28, 10/30) States-collapse – Exercise due
Week 11 (11/4, 11/6) Empires-introduction and definitions
Week 12 (11/11, 11/13) Empires 1
Week 13 (11/18, 11/20)Empires 2 – Papers due
Week 14 (11/25, 11/27-T-day no class)
Week 15 (12/2, 12/4) Paper presentations
Contact: Christopher Fisher, CSU/Anthro, C-207 Andrew G. Clark Bldg., Fort Collins, CO 80523-1787, 970.491.5447 FAX 970.491.7597
This page last updated on 07/16/05