Seeking Our Past An Introduction to North American Archaeology

Seeking Our Past: An Introduction to North American Archaeology offers an up-to-date and engaging introduction to North America's past that also illustrates contemporary archaeological practice. The authors include examples from both North American prehistory and history--drawn from academicarchaeology and Cultural Resource Management (CRM)--in order to provide a broad overview of how the continent was settled, what archaeologists have learned about life across the North American culture areas, and how current archaeologists research our past. Chapters are enhanced by case studieswritten especially for this book by the original researchers. Through these case studies readers gain familiarity with particular projects and insight into what archaeologists actually do. In addition, the authors cover such important ethical issues as respecting and working with descendantpopulations and the need for archaeological stewardship. They also provide valuable information about contemporary practice and careers in archaeology. An exceptional resource, Seeking Our Past incorporates numerous pedagogical aids including: * Three types of text boxes: "Faces in Archaeology" offer profiles of working archaeologists; "Issues and Debates" address ethical concerns and scholarly debates; and "Clues to the Past" examine specific artifacts or features in detail * Maps of regions and cultures discussed in the text * Chapter summaries featuring bulleted lists of major points * Suggested reading lists at the end of each chapter and discussion questions after each case study * An extensive glossary * An Instructor's Manual, available to adopters * Student CD including additional sections; more case studies, "Issues and Debates" boxes, and "Faces in Archaeology" profiles; full-color illustrations; a complete list of references; a study guide (with questions and quizzes); and an "Exploring Further" section with links to related websites andrecommendations of sites and museums to visit

Sarah W. Neusius is Professor of Anthropology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

G. Timothy Gross is Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at the University of San Diego and Cultural Resource Specialist at Ecology and Environment, Inc.

PART I: Introducing North American Archaeology

Chapter One: The Nature and Practice of North American Archaeology
Chapter Two: Culture and Environment in North America's Past

PART II: The North American Past

Chapter Three: Peopling of the Americas
Chapter Four: Foragers of the North
Chapter Five: Paths to Complexity on the Northwest Coast
Chapter Six: Rivers, Roots, and Rabbits: The Plateau
Chapter Seven: Diversity and Complexity in California
Chapter Eight: Mobility, Diversity, and Persistence: The Great Basin
Chapter Nine: Forager and Villagers of the Subterranean Mountains, Mesas, and Deserts
Chapter Ten: Bison Hunters and Horticulturalists of the Great Plains
Chapter Eleven: Tribes and Chiefdoms in the Southeast
Chapter Twelve: Foragers and Farmers of the Midwest and Upper Great Lakes
Chapter Thirteen: Fishing, Foraging, and Farming in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

PART III: The Future of North American Archaeology

Chapter Fourteen: North American Archaeology for the Twenty-First Century

BONUS MATERIALS: Student CD packaged with the text