Project 2 - Pseudoarchaeology (4)

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Cochise County Community College District *

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110

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Anthropology

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Dec 6, 2023

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ANT 110 - Fall 2023 Project 2 – Pseudoarchaeology Due Date: 11/23/20 – Due by 11:59 pm on Moodle Background: Did aliens build the pyramids? Do all the world’s civilizations owe a debt of gratitude to a single super-civilization in ancient times? Was Egypt the home of magicians? Were the Moundbuilders one of the lost tribes of Israel? Is there a fantastic body of ancient wisdom awaiting discovery, which will help solve the world’s problems? “Pseudoarchaeology is predominantly an interpretative endeavor. Psychic visions and dowsing notwithstanding, its practitioners do not normally uncover new data or direct excavations. Pseudoarchaeoloigcal interpretation differs from that of genuine archaeology in eschewing both of the fundamental characteristics of archaeology. First, its practitioners adopt an inflexible stance toward the evidence, which is to be shoehorned into their pet conclusions at all costs. Second, pseudoarchaeologists are practically contemptuous of context It is not unusual for entire monuments, artistic motifs, or myth cycles to be compared with each other and far-reaching conclusions reached without any regard for their respective contexts.” Fagan, 2006 Instructions: Answer both the questions below. Make sure you answer every part of the prompt using specific examples. Be sure to use legitimate academic sources. Requirements  At least 4 sources  Works cited page  At least 500 words for each question Your project will not be accepted if it is:  Not submitted to Moodle  Plagiarized  Late Formatting Typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, with 1” margins. Citation style is up to you, I suggest you use whatever citation format is common in your discipline. Answer the following questions about pseudoarchaeology: 1

ANT 110 - Fall 2023 1. Define and describe pseudoarchaeology, providing examples of popular pseudoarchaeological theories or claims. Discuss how pseudoarchaeology differs from legitimate archaeological practices and the potential consequences of promoting or believing in pseudoarchaeological ideas. How does archaeology combat pseudoarchaeology? Why is it essential to critically evaluate and distinguish between pseudoarchaeology and credible archaeological research? Use specific examples to illustrate your point. 2. Choose an example of pseudoarchaeology that interests you. I have provided a list of examples below. You are not limited to these examples, but if you choose something not on this list, make sure to check with me to ensure it’s appropriate. Answer the following questions about the pseudoarchaeological example you chose. A. Describe the origins and overall state of the pseudoarchaeological example you chose. B. Which groups of people believe in the pseudoarchaeology example you chose? Which groups of people were skeptical? On what did they base their skepticism? What lessons in this story are applicable to other instances of frauds or hoaxes in science? C. What motivated the individuals perpetuating the pseudoarchaeological example you chose? Money? Fame? Nationalism? Racism? Religion? Romance? Spookiness? D. How does the legitimate archaeological community combat this example of pseudoarchaeology? Examples of pseudoarchaeology:  The myth of the Moundbuilders  Giants  The First Americans (Atlanteans? Israelites?)  Atlantis  Ancient Astronauts (Aliens)  King Tut’s Curse  Olmec alternative origins  Pre-Colombian contact between Egyptians and Maya  Starchild skull  Kensignton Runestone 2

ANT 110 - Fall 2023 Project 2 – GRADING CHECKLIST/RUBRIC STUDENT__________________________________ GRADING SCALE/NOTES YOUR SCORE TOTAL POSSIBLE COMPOSITION General aspects of your paper. Form/Length/Gramma r Paper is typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, with 1” margins. Paper is at least 500 words long. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar is correct. 10 BASIC REQUIREMENTS Proper sources and citation. Appropriate sources Sources used are acceptable academic sources 10 In-text citations In-text citations are used when appropriate. 10 Works cited page Works cited page with at least 4 sources is provided. 10 PSEUDOARCHAEOL OGY Question 1 Pseudoarchaeology Overview Define and describe pseudoarchaeology, providing examples of popular pseudoarchaeological theories or claims. 5 Peudoarchaeology vs. Legitimate Archaeology Discuss how pseudoarchaeology differs from legitimate archaeological practices and the potential consequences of promoting or believing in pseudoarchaeological ideas. 5 Combatting Pseudoarchaeology How does archaeology combat pseudoarchaeology? 5 Critical Evaluation Why is it essential to critically evaluate and distinguish between pseudoarchaeology and credible archaeological research? Use specific examples to illustrate your point. 5 Motivation Use of specific examples. 10 PSEUDOARCHAEOL OGY Question 2 Example Overview Describe the origins and overall state of the pseudoarchaeological example you chose. 10 People Which groups of people believe in the pseudoarchaeology example you chose? Which groups of people were skeptical? On what did they base their skepticism? What lessons in this story are applicable to other instances of frauds or hoaxes in science? 10 Motivation What motivated the individuals perpetuating the pseudoarchaeological example you chose? Money? Fame? Nationalism? Racism? Religion? Romance? Spookiness? 5 Response of Archaeology Community How does the legitimate archaeological community combat this example of pseudoarchaeology? 5 TOTAL 100 3

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Project 2 - Pseudoarchaeology (4)

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