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A rational examination of numerous supposed ancient "mysteries" and unsolved phenomena relative to human origins using the data and methods of modern archaeology. Topics will include those areas in anthropology and archaeology made popular by sensationalist authors such as lost continents, ancient astronauts, strange stone monuments, pyramids, the Yeti and other monsters, lost races, archaeoastronomy, psychic anthropology, catastrophisms, and others. Major foci will include both the evidence for the actual causes of the phenomena and an examination of the methodology and style of pseudo-scientific sensationalist authors.

This course will use interesting archaeological hoaxes (like the Piltdown Fraud and the Shroud of Turin), myths, and mysteries to show how we can truly know things about the past through science. By placing wildly inaccurate claims within the context of the scientific method, the course will demonstrate how science approaches fascinating questions about human antiquity and, in so doing, shows where pseudoscience falls short. Students will develop their critical thinking skills through the readings and class discussions.

Fieldtrips:
1. South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, Bolzano, Italy to visit the Iceman (Otzi) and learn how science approaches questions of human antiquity.
2. Dachau, Germany to use a “convergence of evidence” to contest the hypothesis that “the Holocaust never happened.” (This fieldtrip is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, July 7)

The University of New Orleans International Summer School program has a mandatory class attendance policy. All students are required to attend class for all morning classes and any required afternoon and/or weekend fields trips and lectures. No unexcused absences are allowed. However, LFU students who have to miss a UNO class due to LFU examinations in the first two weeks of our program, can receive one excused absence for this. Any further unexcused absences will result in an academic penalty. Each faculty member determines the penalty for missed classes. Most professors deduct a letter grade for each additional missed class day. For details, please refer to your course syllabi, which will be distributed on the first day of class. The listed ECTS credits are a recommendation by the University of New Orleans Innsbruck Summer School, based on contact hours, anticipated out-of-classroom requirements such as field trips, and projected workload for readings, assignments, and exam preparation. Mail: Center-New-Orleans@uibk.ac.at