ANTH 3740 - Archaeology in the Laboratory

Goals: To learn archaeological methods for understanding our material world. To critically examine the complicated legacy of archaeological collections. To prepare students for professional careers in archaeology, heritage preservation, museum work, and related fields.

Content: Students in this course will learn the skills and techniques employed by archaeologists in the documentation, analyses, and preservation of artifacts and other materials recovered in archaeological fieldwork. Course content includes lectures and readings on methods and theory for laboratory work, collections management, and ethical concerns. Students will apply this content in discussions and laboratory exercises focused on stone artifacts, ceramics, animal bones, and a variety of other materials. Students will also learn about basic computer applications in artifact analyses and documentation.

Taught: Alternate years, fall semester

Credits: 4