Archaeological culture descriptions, Synthetic summary of arguments for depopulation, and suggested variables for our research
Our insights into collapse and sustainability will come from data we collect from strong peer-reviewed sources. Each team will become specialists of a different group (e.g., Ancestral Puebloan, Hohokam, etc.) and document specific social, demographic, and environmental dimensions that characterize the group immediately prior to substantial demographic decline. We will decide on these dimensions/variables during Week 2.
The culture and depopulation descriptions, data tables (coding sheets), and supplementary materials are a KEY deliverable during the block. Each variable will be classified according to an agreed upon value, such as increasing/decreasing, high/moderate/low, and/or interval level data (e.g., a population level of approximately 30,000). Detailed citations will be necessary for each value in the data table and for your paragraphs on the culture history and depopulation, please click here to read more about citing sources.
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Format for below, please number your answers 1-6.
1) Case: [group: Hohokam, Ancestral Puebloan, etc.]
2) Description of case: This should be suitable for use within the final paper. One paragraph, with strong citations.
3) When did demographic decline begin? [approx. 1350 to 1375 CE]
4) When did demographic decline result in minimal to no archaeological detection of persisting occupation of the sub-region? [approx. 1450]
5) Summary of depopulation arguments:
Please write a one paragraph, comprehensive, and synthetic description of arguments for the cause of demographic decline for your case, including strong citations. In other words, what arguments have been made for the causes of demographic decline for your cases.
6) Recommended Descriptive and Analytical Variables:
Please identify variables your team recommends we use/code for our study. Provide a few sentences arguing WHY you think these are strong variables. Also include suggested measures and indicators for coding the variables. Do this in table form, similar to how you coded your research experience in class.
Examples of descriptive variables (variables that describe your case but won't be used in our analysis): climate, population levels (e.g., 5,000-6,000) immediately prior to depopulation, key resources.
Examples of analytical variables (coded variables that will be used to identify patterns (if any) in conditions prior to depopulation): inequality, resource degradation, extent of conflict, etc.
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KEY RESOURCE: Tutt Library Anthropology Research Guide (click link)
The culture and depopulation descriptions, data tables (coding sheets), and supplementary materials are a KEY deliverable during the block. Each variable will be classified according to an agreed upon value, such as increasing/decreasing, high/moderate/low, and/or interval level data (e.g., a population level of approximately 30,000). Detailed citations will be necessary for each value in the data table and for your paragraphs on the culture history and depopulation, please click here to read more about citing sources.
************************************
Format for below, please number your answers 1-6.
1) Case: [group: Hohokam, Ancestral Puebloan, etc.]
2) Description of case: This should be suitable for use within the final paper. One paragraph, with strong citations.
3) When did demographic decline begin? [approx. 1350 to 1375 CE]
4) When did demographic decline result in minimal to no archaeological detection of persisting occupation of the sub-region? [approx. 1450]
5) Summary of depopulation arguments:
Please write a one paragraph, comprehensive, and synthetic description of arguments for the cause of demographic decline for your case, including strong citations. In other words, what arguments have been made for the causes of demographic decline for your cases.
6) Recommended Descriptive and Analytical Variables:
Please identify variables your team recommends we use/code for our study. Provide a few sentences arguing WHY you think these are strong variables. Also include suggested measures and indicators for coding the variables. Do this in table form, similar to how you coded your research experience in class.
Examples of descriptive variables (variables that describe your case but won't be used in our analysis): climate, population levels (e.g., 5,000-6,000) immediately prior to depopulation, key resources.
Examples of analytical variables (coded variables that will be used to identify patterns (if any) in conditions prior to depopulation): inequality, resource degradation, extent of conflict, etc.
**********************************
KEY RESOURCE: Tutt Library Anthropology Research Guide (click link)
