Surveys the pre-Columbian history of the Andean region of South America, and investigates archaeological approaches to understanding that history. Outlines the development of Andean cultures from initial peopling of the continent to the fall of the Inca Empire at the time of European conquest. The Inca and several prehistoric cultures are examined in detail, such as Chavin, Moche, and Tiwanaku. Simultaneously explores select topical issues, such as human-environment interactions, plant and animal domestication, the emergence of inequality, gender, mummies and ancestor worship, art as communication, and the rise and collapse of states and empires. Offered irregularly.