ANTH 3100 - Principles of Archaeology

Goals: To understand principles of archaeology – the varying ways archaeologists recover, analyze, and interpret information about the past. To gain proficiency in general scientific practices, reading archaeological literature, and grant writing. To consider ethical and practical issues in the management of cultural resources, such as why preserve heritage sites, and how to balance the sometimes conflicting views, voices, and histories found in our contemporary world.

Content: Archaeologists are “time detectives” sifting through the material traces of past lives in order to better understand human behavior and human history. Using films, slides, artifacts, and readings, this course focuses on current methods and theories used in American archaeology. Students apply their knowledge by writing a research design as a final project.
Taught: Alternate years.
Prerequisite: ANTH 1160.