ANT-205 Principles of Archaeology

This course is intended to be a survey in archaeology for undergraduates that will lead to further studies in anthropology including an archaeological field school. This course will provide the students with an introduction to archaeological design, methods and theories, analytical techniques and analyses. The intent is for students to understand how people lived in the past, what they valued, and what challenges they faced within their associated ecosystems. This course will include some hands-on, practical field/lab experiences.

Credits

3

Lecture Contact Hours

3

Lab Contact Hours

0

Other Contact Hours

0

Department

• Social Science

Grading Scheme

• Letter

SUNY Gen Ed Credit

• No

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Identify current archaeological methodology.
2. Evaluate concepts of archaeological ethics and stewardship.
3. Follow a systematic archaeological field process to analyze and attempt to explain how cultural change works.
4. Evaluate archaeological information to appreciate how cultural change and diversity exists.

View Course Outline

ANT 205: Principles of Archaeology

Department

Social Science

Course Description

This course is intended to be a survey in archaeology for undergraduates that will lead to further studies in anthropology including an archaeological field school. This course will provide the students with an introduction to archaeological design, methods and theories, analytical techniques and analyses. The intent is for students to understand how people lived in the past, what they valued, and what challenges they faced within their associated ecosystems. This course will include some hands-on, practical field/lab experiences.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

Lecture	3
Lab	0
Other	0

Grading Scheme

Letter

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Identify current archaeological methodology.
2. Evaluate concepts of archaeological ethics and stewardship.
3. Follow a systematic archaeological field process to analyze and attempt to explain how cultural change works.
4. Evaluate archaeological information to appreciate how cultural change and diversity exists.

Topic Outline

1. Introduction to Archaeology and Anthropology
   1. Four sub-fields of discipline
      1. Cultural
      2. Physical
      3. Linguistics
      4. Archaeology
   2. Archaeology sub-fields
      1. Prehistoric
      2. Historic
      3. Urban
      4. Underwater
      5. CRM
   3. Understanding the Scientific Method
2. History of Archaeology
   1. Early theories to 1850
   2. Post-Darwin, early scientific 1850-1960
   3. Environmental to present 1960-
3. Principles of Archaeology I
   1. Research
   2. Project design
   3. Survey
4. Principles of Archaeology II
   1. Sight layout
   2. Excavation techniques
   3. Recording in the field
      1. Notes
      2. Photo
      3. Diagrams
      4. Sampling
      5. Environmental description (vegetation, soil profiles, etc.)
5. Principles of Archaeology III
   1. Artifacts
   2. Ecofacts
   3. Features
6. Evolutionary Theory and Dating Techniques
   1. Relative dating
   2. Absolute
   3. DNA analysis etc.
7. Ethics
   1. Law (NAGPRA, etc.)
   2. Relates to sites and date
   3. Relates to informants, communities, sponsors, and the discipline
8. Regional Archaeology: New World
   1. North America
   2. Mesoamerica
   3. South America
9. Regional Archaeology: Old World
   1. Europe
   2. Africa
   3. Asia
   4. Pacific Islands
10. Contemporary Archaeology
    1. Forensics
    2. Disaster and recovery (salvage)
    3. Curation and collections