Archaeometry

Catalog description

This course will address the history, theory, and methods of Archaeometry. In its broadest sense, “archaeometry” (or “archaeological science”) represents the interface between archaeology and the natural and physical sciences. Typically considered as an interdisciplinary area of research, archaeometry often requires a close collaboration between archaeologists, geologists, historians and art historians, museum curators, and above all scientists who apply modern instrumental techniques to extract structural and compositional information from ancient artifacts and materials. Thus, the range of applications is rather large, from archaeological research including topics such as geophysical prospection, sourcing of lithic, ceramic and metallic materials, tool function, and dating techniques, to conservation of museum artifacts and historic monuments, including questions about dating and even art forgery. The course will address the full range of these topics through case studies, particularly focusing on those relevant to current anthropological debates. Prerequisite: ANTH 167 or ANTH 125. Offered every two years.