ANT 455 - Exploration

Credits: 3

This course will examine the cultural interactions of explorers with indigenous communities and their environments throughout world history. We will read historical monographs, ethnohistories, and primary sources to understand the dynamics of cultural exchange during processes of colonization, territorial, and commercial expansion, as well as trace the histories of the development of scientific and anthropological knowledge. We will combine the methods of history and anthropology in examination of primary sources, including explorer’s written accounts; media representations; indigenous oral histories; archaeological and environmental analysis; and material cultures. Students will learn current methodologies of historical and ethno-historical research and interpretation through exploring each account from multiple angles. This course is cross-listed as HIS 455.