Introduction to Archaeology

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. (ANTH 2302) Introduction to Archaeology. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines the basic principles of studying past human cultures through material remains. Surveys the fundamentals of archaeological practice and frameworks, applying interdisciplinary methods to reconstruct and interpret the archaeological record. Engages with written, oral and visual communication of archaeological data. Develops an understanding of how cultures adapt and change through time and across space. Engages critical thinking skills in evaluation of evidence and synthesis of different types of information. Introduces careers in anthropology and archaeology and the skills needed for them. TOPICS AND THEMES. Interdisciplinary nature of archaeological research. Site formation, survival and identification. Field and laboratory methods including survey, excavation, recording, curation and various types of analysis including dating methods. Relationships between humans and environments. Human evolution and behavior including past movement, subsistence strategies, foraging strategies, trade, tool production and development, sedentism, symbolic and ritual behaviors, domestication, city and state formation and reconstruction of past social and individual identities. Archaeological ethics, the role of archaeology in contemporary society and heritage management. This course may incorporate topics that respond to current events, student interests or emerging issues relevant to anthropology; also taught at Galveston campus.