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Apr 19, 2024
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2013-2014 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog (without addenda) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
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STS 2343 Imaging the Past3 Credits
Images of prehistoric landscapes, creatures and human cultures abound in our society. This course will discuss the scientific bases for reconstructing prehistoric environments and cultures. Information derived from field work in geology, paleontology and archaeology - stratigraphy, fossils, mineralogy and human artifacts - is used to piece together an ancient landscape and its life. The use of modern chemical and isotopic techniques to establish paleoclimates and water conditions will be described. Information from taxonomy, biomechanics, and comparative anatomy, physiology and genetics can “flesh out” the appearance and lifestyles of extinct groups. Equally important, is how this scientific information is transformed into images, sculpture, dioramas and digital information that can physically visualize past life, culture and environments. The history of such depictions and the scientific techniques that have produced them will be discussed in some detail.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of first year writing requirements
Note: Satisfies a Humanities and Social Sciences Elective.
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