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ARCHAEOLOGY OF WARFARE AND HUMAN NATURE

ANTHRO 339
Course Description

Introduction to the evidence, debates, and theories related to violence and warfare in the human past, and how related behaviors are linked to the evolution of our species and modern manifestations of war. Highlights archaeological methods that recognize past warfare practices. Using case studies from the Pleistocene to the present, explores variations of warfare from all over the world. Topics considered include 1) the highly variable nature of violence and warfare in different cultural settings; 2) the antiquity of warfare; 3) how violence has shaped human societies. Historical and cross-cultural ethnographic research will be juxtaposed against archaeological cases to provide contextualized and data-rich examinations. Learn to critically evaluate arguments, claims, and interpretations made about war, peace, and human nature.

Prerequisties

Sophomore standing

Satisfies

This course does not satisfy any prerequisites.

Credits

3

Offered

Not Applicable

Grade Point Average
3.75

3.49% from Historical

Completion Rate
100%

1.8% from Historical

A Rate
86.27%

10.78% from Historical

Class Size
51

35.4% from Historical

Instructors (2025 Fall)

Sorted by ratings from Rate My Professors

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