Archaeological Records

Catalog description

Archaeological records are all of the forms of data that make up the archaeological record, the material remains of past human activities. These include artifacts, ecofacts, and features. For some time periods and places, archaeological records also include documents, oral histories and oral traditions. This course involves the recording, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of archaeological data, including the preparation of technical documentation resulting from archaeological fieldwork. Archaeological Records covers a broad range of topics and activities fundamental to modern anthropological archaeology, beginning with the processing and cataloging of artifact assemblages. Consequently, a major component of this course consists of archaeological laboratory methods and techniques. Other topics include the preparation and management of technical records. These include survey and excavation forms, laboratory and field notes, state site files, regional and site maps, and the tabulation of archaeological data. Archaeological Records is organized as a laboratory course emphasizing student participation, independent study and instruction, and student-teacher interaction. Students should be self-motivated and eager to participate in the compilation, management, and interpretation of archaeological records. Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer