Pre-Columbian & Post-Columbian Bahamas: Archaeology & Geography on San Salvador

(May 8-31, 2005)

ANTH 4980 / GEOG 4980 (cross-listed course)

Pre-Columbian & Post-Columbian Bahamas: Archaeology & Geography on San Salvador:

This course will explore the cultural, biogeographical, & historical consequences of the Columbian Exchange that resulted from the “discovery” of the “New World” by Columbus in 1492. Fieldwork during the day will focus on archaeological testing & excavation of a pre-Columbian Lucayan site on San Salvador Island. Laboratory experience will include the cleaning, identification, typing, sorting, quantification & storage of archaeological artifacts. Evening lectures will cover such topics as anthropology, anthropogeography, archaeology, climate change & human alteration of the environment, geography, indigenous peoples, contrasts between the Old & New Worlds, Spanish exploration & conquest in the Americas, diseases, population issues, exchange of plants & animals between the Old & New Worlds, foods, foodways & dietary changes, the nature of the pre- & post-Columbian worlds, etc. This course will be based on the anthropological, geographical, paleopathological, & historical considerations of the items above. 6 credits in EITHER ANTH or GEOG. Housing at the Gerace Research Center. May 8-31, San Salvador Island, Bahamas. Cost: $2,300 plus tuition. Contact: Dr. Jeffrey Blick, Georgia College & State University, 478-445-0937, jeff.blick@gcsu.edu, jblick1@cox.net