Discover the ancient peoples who were defined by the arid landscape of what is now Joshua Tree National Park. Anthropologist Daniel McCarthy, who has extensive experience leading archaeology field studies in Southern California, will discuss how archaeologists study human culture, history, and evolution through material remains and environmental landscapes. The class will begin with an archaeological overview including an exclusive visit to see the artifacts and archival collections at Joshua Tree National Park’s Research Museum. The course will have two sessions in the field to study how landscapes relate to the prehistoric and historic peoples who lived in this area. The field sessions will require short hikes in the desert and will provide students with new insights into the park’s cultural heritage.
Please note: The class will only visit publicly interpreted sites.