ANTH 283 - Collapse of Ancient States and Civilization

This course will explore the questions of why and how societies collapse and whether or not they can instead choose to succeed. Particular focus will be placed on understanding the development of complex societies and the sociopolitical, economic and ecological processes surrounding their collapse. Case studies will include ancient Mesopotamia, Mesoamerica and the Roman Empire. Patterns of similarities and differences from the case studies will be discussed and used to shed light on recent historical changes in our own society and an increasingly globalized world. (SS)

Credits: 3