ANTH 140  Introduction to Archaeology

Honors Section
MWF 11:00-11:50 HIRC 9
 Dr. Renee B. Walker, email
Fitzelle 312, x3346, Office Hours: M-Th 2-3 pm

Course Objectives
     Archaeology is the study of ancient human cultures using material remains to reconstruct past lifeways.  These cultures are studied using the approaches, theories, and techniques of archaeology.  In this introduction to archaeology, we will examine three aspects of the subject.  First, the history, methods and theories of archaeology will be discussed.  Second, we will look at the prehistory of the Old World, where culture evolved and developed.  Finally, we will outline the prehistory of the New World, where Native Americans developed complex civilizations that paralleled those of the Old World.  At the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of their own past and how we have come to know about it through the application of the scientific method.  This course satisfies the social sciences (S2) general education attribute for the General Education 2000 requirements for students admitted on or after the Fall 2000 semester.

Grading  
      Your grade is based on your performance on three examinations: two midterm exams and one final exam (each worth 100 points).  The exams will be short answer and essay.  Each test covers lecture, film, discussion, laboratory and reading materials assigned or presented since the last test.  Thus, none of the examinations are comprehensive. 
     You will also have one written assignment, which will be a 4-6 page paper on an appropriate topic of your choosing (cleared by myself) concerning some aspect of archaeology.  This assignment will be worth the same as an exam grade (100 points) and will be due on May 2.
I will be happy to review early drafts or outlines.
     Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class and, though not mandatory, will be used to assess final grades.  For example, if a student attends all classes and participates, but has a borderline grade, that grade will probably be raised in that students favor.

Class Participation
      You are expected to participate fully in class, which includes regular class attendance, keeping current with assigned readings, and participation in class discussions.  Much of the course material is not in the textbook and only in class lectures. Attendance will be taken each class meeting. Late assignments and make-up exams will require proof of absence (such as a doctor’s excuse).
     There will also be six laboratory activities scheduled during the semester where attendance is mandatory.  These activities will be in my office, Fitzelle 312, where you will have the opportunity to work with archaeological artifacts and analytical materials.  Readings pertaining to these activities will be made available to you at the beginning of the semester and should be completed before the lab.

Reading Materials
Price, D.T. and Gary M. Feinman Images of the Past, 3^rd edition, 2001.
Readings for laboratory activities.