ARC 1010 - INTRODUCTORY ARCHAEOLOGY

credits: 3.0
Introduces students to the field of archaeology, including history, methods, theories, and contemporary issues. Students will gain core knowledge of how archaeologists study past societies, address research questions about human culture, and interpret the material record left behind. Archaeology encompasses the systematic study of past human cultures and life-ways through material remains. The course is focused on presenting a basic overview of how archaeologists are able to piece together the social institutions, cultural knowledge and perspectives on the world, economics, and historical events of civilizations for whom there are no written records. By evaluating artifacts, sites, and other tangible evidence, archaeologists uncover insights into how people lived, adapted, created, worshipped, fought, and interacted. Topics include Indigenous perspectives on cultural heritage and repatriation of artifacts and remains, Non-Western writing, measurement, and calendrical systems, and traditional subsistence practices in non-Western ancient societies. Objectives: A) Explain key developments in the history of archaeology; B) Describe material culture using archaeological vocabulary and concepts; C) Understand essential methods for survey, excavation, and dating of archaeological sites and artifacts; D) Apply theoretical perspectives from social, environmental, cognitive, and other sub-disciplines of archaeology; E) Discuss archaeology’s role in understanding trade, technology, health, and organization in non-Western civilizations; F) Evaluate ethical issues and debates within public archaeology and heritage management, which are based on the consideration of multiple cultural frameworks. Method of Instruction: Lecture and discussion, feedback on weekly participation activities, feedback on Active Archaeology Notebook activities. Method of Evaluation: Grades will be based on acquiring points available from the following assignments: 12 weekly InQuizitive activities, 20 archaeological activities, 24 weekly participation and reflection activities (two per week). Meets *NWP Distribution Requirement. Course Fee: $50.00.