The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory - Softcover

Feder, Kenneth L

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195394305 ISBN 13: 9780195394306

Publisher: OUP USA, 2009

Synopsis

Ideal for Introduction to Archaeology and World Prehistory courses, and geared toward students with little-to-no previous coursework in the subject area, The Past in Perspective, Fourth Edition is an engaging, up-to-date, chronological introduction to human prehistory. Written in a conversational, appealing tone, Kenneth L. Feder introduces students to "the big picture"-the grand sweep of human evolutionary history, presenting the human past within the context of a series of fundamental themes of cultural evolution. His is a captivatingly written narrative of the trajectories of human development-and of the fascinating processes employed to reveal those trajectories. The Past in Perspective distinguishes itself with a series of common headings across its chapters that help students to master the complex story of the human past. Each chapter includes the following headings: Prelude, Chronicle, Issues and Debates, Case Study Close-up, Visiting the Past, Summary, and To Learn More. These sections work together to paint a picture of human antiquity in vivid detail. Each chapter also includes a timeline of events and a listing of archaeological sites mentioned in the text. This text is supplemented by a companion website (www.oup.com/us/feder), which includes student resources (chapter summaries, multiple choice quizzes, glossaries, and flashcards), as well as instructor resources (PowerPoint slides and links to professional resources). The latter is also available on an Instructor's CD, along with an Instructor's Manual, which includes a Word-based test bank.

About this title

From the Publisher:

A focus on major themes of the human evolutionary story with archaeological findings integrated into the discussion of these themes.
A consistent format in the chapters dealing with the human story:
The Prelude ' amusing anecdotes or personal perspectives that relate directly to the chapter topic.
The Chronicle - the hard data and consensus interpretations of the chapter's focus in a succinct format.
The Issues and Debates - exploration of the uncertainties of our interpretations.
Case Study Close-Ups - in-depth looks at sites representative of each chapter's major theme(s).
Visiting the Past - descriptions of sites and museum exhibits related to chapter discussions.Presentation of a modern view of the past in the context of a historical continuum of intellectual growth and debate.
An appropriate level of detail for undergraduates with no previous exposure to archaeology.
Student learning aids including maps pinpointing locations of sites discussed, timelines, chapter summaries, key terms, suggested reading lists, a glossary, and 16 pages of full color photos grouped thematically.
Increased emphasis on post-Pleistocene societies and the rise of civilization.
An increased discussion of the evolution of complex societies in both the Old World and the New World. See Chapters 12-15.
Overview of the Miocene period and the essential context and background for all later hominid evolution condensed and placed at the beginning of the chapter on African Roots (Chapter 4).
Significant updating of material on the Neandertal has been added to Chapters 6-7.
Peopling of the New World is reexamined, including discussions of Monte Verde and Kennewick Man (Chapter 9).

About the Author:

Ken Feder received his Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Connecticut in 1982. He is a full professor in the Department of Anthropology at Central Connecticut State University where he has taught since 1977. He is the founder and director of the Farmington River Archaeological Project, an on-going survey of an inland, upland valley in north central Connecticut. He is the author of several books including Human Antiquity: An Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archaeology (with Michael Park); Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology; A Village of Outcasts: Historical Archaeology and Documentary Research at the Lighthouse Site; The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory; Field Methods in Archaeology (co-editor with Tom Hester and Harry Shafer); Lessons from the Past: An Introductory Reader in Archaeology (editor); and Dangerous Places: Health, Safety, and Archaeology (co-edited with David Poirier). He is a Fellow of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. He has been the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award at Central Connecticut State University. He has appeared on a number of television documentaries about archaeology for BBC Horizon, the History Channel, and the Learning Channel. He lives in West Simsbury, Connecticut with his wife, two sons, and three bad cats.

About this edition

• Publisher: OUP USA
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0195394305
• ISBN 13: 9780195394306
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 720