Liz Mullane
B.A. Tufts University 2003; M.A. UCLA 2006
Fax: 310-206-4723
E-mail:
emullane@ucla.edu
Subfield
IDP; Ph.D. Candidate
Research Interests
Complex Systems Theory, Self-organizing behaviour
Notes
I am interested in understanding the human past through the application of complex systems theory. In my dissertation research, I am currently examining how people may organize some aspects of their daily lives without oversight or direction by leaders. These self-organizing behaviors may be present in the archaeological record in a variety of ways such as a heterogeneous material record or a change in stylistic traditions in certain areas. Human self-organization has the potential to be present in many places and cultures. In order to capture this diversity of organizing potentials, I am examining three separate case studies of varying periods, environments and political organizations: Megalithic South India, Cahokia and the Roman province of Syria. I hope to show that many aspects of the daily lives of people, today as well as in the past, are the result of self-organizing decisions.
Grants and Awards
Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship 2003-2007;
UCLA Dissertation Year Fellowship 2008-2009
Advisors
Monica Smith
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