The student will be able to:
A. Describe archaeological and historical past of the British Isles.
B. Explain general patterns of anthropological thought in the British Isles.
C. Debate different theoretical and methodological frameworks used in the specific culture area on the British Isles.
D. Describe the cultural diversity within culture area and then analyze the relationships within a worldwide context.
E. Synthesize the dynamics of power relationships within the culture in ancient and modern contexts.
F. Evaluate politics, economics, religion, and social development in the culture area in the ancient and modern contexts.
G. Understand the relationship between research design and data acquisition.
H. Synthesize data acquired in the field.
I. Justify results and critically assess the project of study.

A. Describe archaeological and historical past of the British Isles
1. Neolithic
2. Bronze Age
3. Iron Age
4. Medieval Period
5. Early Modern Period
6. Modern Period
B. Explain general patterns of anthropological thought in the British Isles
1. Contrast New World and Old World academic frameworks
2. Museum based approaches
3. British-style academic approaches from the 1800s to present which combine historical text analysis
4. American academic approaches using anthropology from the 1950s to present
C. Debate different methodological and theoretical frameworks used in the specific culture area on the British Isles
1. Research designs implemented anthropologists working in the culture area
a. Antiquarian approaches
b. Traditional cultural historical approaches
c. Scientifically based approaches
2. Theoretical approaches
a. Antiquarian approaches
b. Traditional cultural historical approaches
c. Scientifically based approaches
d. Post-modern approaches
D. Describe the cultural diversity within culture area and then analyze the relationships within a worldwide context
1. Linguistic diversity
2. Religious diversity
3. Economic diversity, including class based institutions
4. Political groupings
E. Synthesize the dynamics of power relationships within the culture in ancient and modern contexts
1. Aristocracy
2. Peasants and serfs
3. Land-holders
4. Religious institutions
5. Militaristic power
6. Political power in the modern era
F. Evaluate politics, economics, religion, and social development in the culture area in the ancient and modern contexts
1. Origins of political dynamics from ancient to modern
2. Rise of governmental institutions
3. Growth of empire and resistance to colonization
4. Church reformations
5. Manorial systems
6. Economic shifts from prehistory to history
G. Understand the relationship between research design and data acquisition
1. Research design in anthropology
a. Background historical context
b. Reconnaissance
c. Generating hypotheses
d. Field research and data acquisition testing hypotheses
e. Data analysis
f. Evaluation and synthesis
g. Publication
2. Data acquisition in anthropology
a. Field recording methods
b. Methods of survey in ethnography and archaeology
c. Note taking in anthropology and archaeology
H. Synthesize data acquired in the field
I. Justify results and critically assess projects of study

Not applicable.

A. Oral presentations on culture area
B. Cooperative group assignments designed to initiate field work
C. Final field notes and summary report
D. Final exam

A. Lecture and classroom discussion on major topics.
B. Cultural contact component, which includes intercultural experience, interaction, and assessment of methods.
C. Write-up and analysis demonstrating original work and critical thinking.
D. Group presentations of major projects followed by in-class discussion and evaluation.

Huscroft, Richard. The Norman Conquest: A New Introduction. Pearson, 2009.

Laing, Lloyd Robert. The Archaeology of Celtic Britain and Ireland: C.AD 400-1200. Cambridge University Press, 2006.

Berry, Terry. The Archaeology of Medieval Ireland. Routledge, 1988.



NOTE: Although these texts are older than the suggested "5 years or newer" standard, they remain seminal texts in this area of study.

 

Examples of college level assignments include:

A. Cultural survey and critical analysis of data for presentation.

B. Final essay critiquing the research experience.

C. Required textbooks covering the region both past and present.