ANTH 2302 Research Project: Prehistoric Cultures of the Americas

This report examines the archaeological evidence of a specific prehistoric culture in the Americas, as required for the ANTH 2302 course. The report covers the geographic range, temporal span, origins, and distinguishing characteristics of the culture. It delves into settlement patterns, subsistence strategies, material culture, interactions with other groups, mortuary practices, and any unique behaviors. The analysis also addresses the collapse of the culture and the existence of any modern descendants. The research is based on at least five sources, including journals, books, and online resources, and adheres to APA formatting guidelines. The report emphasizes factual evidence and avoids speculative theories, focusing on widely accepted interpretations within the field of archaeology.

ANTH 2302 Research Project – Fall 2016
Wes Copas, Instructor
This assignment is a literary review of the archaeological evidence of one of the many prehistoric populations
of the Americas (North and/or South). Your report should include, but is not limited to, the following:
 Geographic range of the culture (e.g., American Southwest, Mississippi River drainage)
 Time span of the culture (earliest to latest dates)
 Where did the people come from? - both cultural and geographic origins
 Distinguishing characteristics of your culture - what makes them different from others in the region?
(What is the "one thing," or are there many things?)
 Describe what is known of the people, based on archaeological evidence (concentrate on the
"classic" or climactic period for your culture).
o Settlement patterns
o Subsistence - include plant and animal resources used and/or domesticated
o Material culture - tool technology, ceramics, ceremonial or art objects, metal, etc
o Relationship with other groups in the area (trade, warfare, economic dominance, peaceful
coexistence, etc)
o Distinctive mortuary practices (burial, cremation, exposure of remains, etc.)
o Any interesting, bizarre or otherwise remarkable behavior for which there is accepted
archaeological evidence (human sacrifice, building large mound-based structures, irrigation
systems, etc)
o Collapse of the culture: what caused it, when did it occur?
 Are there any living descendants of these people? Where are they now, and what archaeological
evidence is there for continuity?
 Please be sure to cite actual evidence for the information you report (e.g., the evidence for trade
specialization includes the presence of kilns and potters' wheels (Snerd 2028).)
You will need at least five sources, including journals, books, and/or online sources. Please avoid using
Wikipedia as a source - the idea here is for you to actually find and review literature from the primary
researchers. You are encouraged to use resources like Archaeology (magazine) and JSTOR. Please also
focus on widely accepted interpretations of the evidence - avoid distractions such as conspiracy "theories,"
using archaeology to prove cultural/racial superiority, Atlantis, space aliens, etc. Your report, when complete,
should be around 5 pages in length (12-point font, double spaced, normal margins). Please use APA format
for your paper and your references (excluding the Abstract). You can read more about this here:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
There will be NO late assignments accepted - if you have other plans, please arrange to turn in your paper
BEFORE you leave. Remember, you are required to turn in both paper and electronic copies.
A NOTE ON ORIGINALITY: This work is to be done in your own words, using only brief quotes (properly
cited) in your paper. Cutting and pasting from other people's work will not be acceptable - if this happens you
will be assigned a grade of ZERO. If you need help with how to use quotes, I will be glad to discuss it with you.