ANTHROPOLOGY 322
METHOD AND THEORY IN ARCHAEOLOGY

  1. Catalog Entry

ANTH 322. Method and Theory in Archaeology
Two hours lecture; four hours laboratory (4).

Prerequisite: ANTH 222 and permission of instructor.

This course provides advanced training in field and laboratory methods in archaeology and includes limited field excavations, training in processing and analysis of both prehistoric and historic artifact collections and the preparation of original reports summarizing these analyses.

Students also receive instruction in current theoretical approaches in archaeology.

  1. Detailed Description of Content of Course

This course addresses the following topics:

1. Artifact typology and the analysis of prehistoric and historic artifacts.
2. The planning, conduct, and reporting of Phase I (survey), Phase II (testing), and Phase III (excavation) archaeological investigations.
3. Introductory mapping and map reading and the completion of archaeological site survey forms.
4. National and state cultural resource management laws.
5. The curation, sorting, and basic tabulation of archaeological data.

  1. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course material is presented in a lecture format. However, in-class discussions of specific case studies (assigned as readings) will also be required, once the background lecture material has been presented. Students also acquire hands-on experience during the laboratory portion of the class by participating in at least two weekends of fieldwork and by completing a major artifact analysis project. Students are required to write a professional quality report summarizing the results of their
analysis project.

  1. Goals and Objectives of the Course

After completing the course, students will:

1. have the ability to recognize archaeological artifacts and sites in the field and to accurately record their context and condition;
2. learn basic classification and analytical procedures and how to interpret and present their analysis results;
3. be able to work as competent, beginning-level field or laboratory assistants on archaeological projects.

  1. Assessment Measures

Essay exams are given to evaluate the student's understanding of the lecture material and readings. Their laboratory analysis project is also graded. Finally, their fieldwork participation and participation in classroom discussion are also graded.

  1. Other Course Information

There is an attendance policy for this class.

  1. Review and Approval

DATE ACTION REVIEWED
January 2004 Reviewed Dr. Peggy A. Shifflett, Chair