ANTH 1300 Intro to Archaeology
This course explores ways in which prehistoric material remains can provide an understanding of the cultural way of life. General background in archaeological method and theory is used to examine case studies from throughout the world, based on themes such as ceramic technology and artistry development, growth of early civilizations and North American prehistory. (3 lect.) SOC
Major Topics
- Introduction to the science of archaeology; archaeology as a subdivision of anthropology; basic vocabulary (e.g., artifacts, sites, features, settlement patterns); scholarly traditions of archaeology; contemporary archaeology; North American and Wyoming prehistory
- Field Methods; data acquisition, recon, survey, excavation, remote sensing;
- Laboratory analysis; data analysis; curation, cataloging, classification; dendrochronology and other chronological analyses; lithic analysis; botanical, faunal and geological analyses; experimental archaeology.
- World prehistory; cultural diversity in the ancient world; the Americas and the intermountain west; Egypt and the Middle East; Europe; Asia; Africa; archaeological relevance and ethics.
Outcomes
In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:
1. Understand the theories and methodologies of archaeological field work.
2. Understand the theories and methodologies of archaeological lab analysis, curation practices and report writing.
3. Describe the development of the science of archaeology and its place within anthropology and the social sciences and evaluate various interpretive theories.
4. Explore and compare the development of various global prehistoric civilizations and cultures.
5. Use appropriate research and presentation technology as mandated by the needs of the course.