ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD METHODS

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the field methods of scientific archaeology. These field methods include map reading, use of satellite and aerial photographs, instrument survey and mapping, pedestrian survey or reconnaissance, site survey data collection, identification of artifacts (stone tools, ceramics, etc.) and ecofacts (animal remains, macrobotanicals, etc.), systematic artifact collection and documentation, soil probes and coring methods, GPS-based mapping, excavation methods, and data recording. Additional topics include laboratory methods (artifact and ecofact analysis, interpretation, and documentation). This field course ultimately focuses upon the use of empirical data to test or evaluate our interpretations of past human behavior. (Cross-listed with ANTH 8946 ).