ANTH 3730 - Archaeology in the Field

Goals: Students in this course will learn archaeological field methods through participation in ongoing research projects. We will work closely with various Federal, state, Tribal, and community partners. Our projects follow principles of community-based and Indigenous-based archaeology. The experiences of this course will help prepare students for professional careers in archaeology, heritage preservation, site interpretation, and related fields.

Content: Varies depending on the field site. Recent projects include excavations at historic Split Rock Lighthouse on the north shore of Lake Superior to remote sensing investigations at a pre-contact stone quarry site in southeastern Minnesota. Basic techniques covered include pedestrian survey, GPS mapping, soil description, record keeping, excavation, and field conservation.

Taught: Annually, summer term

Credits: 4