Instructor: Prof. Britt Hartenberger
Department of Anthropology, WMU

This course is an introduction to the modern practice of archaeology. It will investigate the methods and theory used in the field and how archaeologists reconstruct the human past from mute physical remains. We will examine the types of evidence studied by archaeologists and the kinds of information we can gain this material using modern scientific techniques. Several labs will involve students in hands-on examination of artifacts and maps. The course presumes no prior knowledge of the field and fulfills a general education requirement, but it will also be useful for anthropology majors as preparation for further work in archaeology.

Required Text
David H. Thomas and Robert Kelly. 2007 (Third edition). Archaeology: Down to Earth. Belmont, CA, Thomson-Wadsworth.
Other required readings not in the textbook are either web pages or are in pdf format and available online in WebCT/E-learning.

Resources

Open syllabus in pdf format

Go to WebCT/Vista page for course: https://vista.wmich.edu/webct/logon/209070148041

Below: web version of syllabus

Syllabus

AN2100 / Spring 2008
M/W 2:00--3:15 pm
Moore Hall, Room 1115

Course Description: see above

Goals:

The primary goal of the course is to learn how archaeologists understand the human past and human behavior from the material remains people have left behind. The first part of the course will give you an understanding of how the field developed and the remainder of the course will investigate how we interpret artifacts, features, and other data to reconstruct the past. By taking the course, you will also learn how broad theoretical shifts have influenced the field, and what the newest theories from social science suggest about how research should be conducted today.

Attendance at all class meetings is expected and recommended. Grades will be based primarily on three examinations (2 exams and a final), each worth 25% of the final grade. The only excused absences for exams are documented illness or family emergency - if you miss an exam for one of these reasons, you may make it up without penalty. If you will be out of town over an exam date, talk to your instructor in advance to arrange making it up at another time.
One written assignment will also be required which will make up 10% of the grade. Class participation, including the hands-on labs during class, will make up the remaining 15% of the grade.

Schedule

Week 1: Jan. 7 and 9     Introduction and development of the field
Reading: Chapter 1

Week 2: Jan. 14 and 16     The scientific method and archaeological explanation
Reading: Chapter 2
*Lab on household garbage - Weds.

Week 3: Jan. 23 (no class Monday)     Survey methods
Reading: Chapter 3
Web reading: Belize caves project - difficulties with remote sensing
   http://www.archaeology.org/interactive/belize/index.html
Optional web reading: Browse Image Library of the North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics:
   http://www.cast.uark.edu/nadag/