Colin Betts

Colin M. Betts

Office: Koren 316
Phone: (563) 387-1284
FAX: (563) 387-1107
E-mail: bettscol@luther.edu

Teaching Areas:
My teaching duties primarily involve archaeology courses, although I also teach the physical anthropology andanthropological history and theory courses. Typically during J-term I teach an exploratory course on the anthropological study of warfare. Every other summer I run an archaeological field school course on prehistoric and protohistoric sites in northeast Iowa. In general I try to incorporate as much experiential learning into my courses as possible, including throwing atlatls, flintknapping, trips to local cemeteries, and ethnoarchaeological studies of the campus.

Courses:
Anth 102; Anth 104; Anth 105; Anth 301; Anth 302; Anth 303; Anth 304; Anth 401

Research Interests:
My primary research interests involve the prehistory of the Upper Midwestern United States. I'm interested in the late prehistory of the Upper Mississippi Valley, particularly the Oneota tradition (AD 1000-1700) of northeast Iowa. My current research program is focused on identifying the timing and effects of European influences, including epidemic disease, on the indigenous inhabitants of the tri-state area. In particular I have been looking at how ceramic technology reflects the changes that occur at the interface of prehistory and history.

My interests are not entirely confined to "dirt" archaeology, however. As part of my dissertation research I conducted a ethnographic investigation of contemporary pottery production at the Newcastle Pottery on the island of Nevis in the West Indies. I plan on continuing my research there, in particular focusing on the social and cultural dimensions of the continuing survival of traditional pottery craft.

Personal Interests:
My personal interests largely consist of outdoor activities. In particular I enjoy canoeing on the Upper Iowa River, hiking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing.

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