Select an artifact manufactured by an ancient culture and explain

Term Paper

An original research paper (minimum of 2300-2500 words [excluding extensive quotes]), including a reference section, is required for this class. The main goal of this paper is to apply a scientific approach to the subject of your research. In this vein, your paper will be based on valid scientific evidence to reconstruct past civilizations.

Topic: For this assignment you must select an artifact manufactured by an ancient culture and explain the following:

what it tells us about the culture that created it,

the technology that made it possible,

how it may signal contact with neighboring cultures,

its implications for its culture and civilization at large

The student is encouraged to select a topic (artifact) of his/her own choosing with the instructor’s permission. You should select an artifact that addresses one or more of the following:

A major technological innovation

Important social, ceremonial, or religious significance

Archaeological mysteries examined from a scientific perspective

Artifacts with environmental implications

Artifacts related uniquely to a specific archaeological site/s

Grading: The paper will be graded based on a set rubric on original thinking, application of concepts developed in class, application of archaeological data, organization, use of citations, and proper grammar and spelling. The paper should have a strong thesis, supporting arguments, and conclusions.