Charles S. Spencer

Divisional Chair and Curator
Anthroplogy

Education
  • University of Michigan, Ph.D., 1981
  • University of Michigan, M.A., 1976
  • Rice University, B.A., 1972
E-mail
cspencer@amnh.org
Phone
212.769.5898
Fax
212.769.5334
Downloads
Spencer_CV.pdf
Links
Division of Anthropology

Research Interests

Dr. Spencer's ongoing research focuses on the development of pre-Columbian complex societies in Mexico and Venezuela.In Oaxaca, Mexico, he is investigating the time period during which the early Zapotec state, probably the first such political development in Mesoamerica, emerged with its capital at Monte Albán in the Valley of Oaxaca and began to dominate the valley as well as a number of surrounding valleys and canyons.In collaboration with AMNH Research Associate Elsa Redmond, Spencer has recently excavated the well-preserved remains of an ancient Zapotec palace dating to 300-100 B.C., one of the earliest palaces ever found by archaeologists in Mesoamerica.In Barinas, Venezuela, his research has explored the emergence of chiefdom societies that emerged around 600 A.D. in the western llanos (savanna grasslands) of the Orinoco Basin.Dr. Spencer is also interested in addressing general issues in ecological anthropology and cultural evolution.

Teaching Experience

  • Faculty Appointments
    • Adjunct Senior Research Scientist, Center for Environmental Research and Conservation, Columbia University, 2001-present
    • Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, Columbia University, 1992-present
    • Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, 1986-1991
    • Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, 1981-1986
    • Visiting Instructor, Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, 1980-1981
  • Courses Taught
    • Archaeology of Pre-State Societies, Columbia University
    • Evolution of Complex Societies, Columbia UniversityEcological Studies in Anthropology, Columbia University
  • Graduate Advisees
    • Raphael Gasson University of Pittsburgh
    • Lilliam Arvelo, University of Pittsburgh
  • Graduate Committees
    • Luca Casparis, University of Geneva