ANSC 493: Field School in Archaeology
Prerequisites: ANSC 301 or ANTH 122 or permission of instructor
Credit Hours: (3-6) Field course: 40 hours a week
Emphasis on practical field experience in archaeology. Surveys and excavations are conducted on both prehistoric and historic sites and students learn the mapping, recording, and field artifact identification techniques that are the basis of archaeology. Summer. No more than 12 hours of credit from ANC 493, ANSC 498, and ANSC 499 may be counted toward the 38 hours for the anthropological sciences major.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
The following topics are addressed in this course:
1. Defining the goals of an archaeological project and developing methods for achieving
these goals.
2. The logistical organization of equipment and personnel for an archaeological project.
3. Field interpretation of archaeological artifacts and deposits.
4. Professional description and presentation of the results of an archaeological project.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The focus of the course is on students gaining as much field experience as is possible.
Therefore, approximately 80% of
class time is spent working on one or more archaeological sites and thereby learning
through doing archaeology. Before beginning fieldwork, however, students are given
an understanding of the goals and research design of the particular project. Also,
any changes or discoveries during the project are discussed with the students as they
occur. To give students a broader perspective on field archaeology, they are required
to read papers or publications by other archaeologists to see how they dealt with
problems in the field and reported their research. On rain days, students receive
laboratory instruction on prehistoric and historic artifact analysis.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Students will acquire in-depth experience in field archaeology and in planning and problem-solving in the field. Such a field school is required if the student wishes to pursue advanced graduate training in archaeology; it also enhances students' chances of obtaining part or full-time employment on other archaeological projects.
Assessment Measures
The student's efforts in the field of excavation and mapping are monitored and evaluated by the instructor. Students are required to write at least one large paper in which they critique reports by other researchers and develop their own archaeological research design.
Other Course Information
There is a strict attendance policy for the class; one day's absence without an excuse results in the loss of a letter grade. This policy is in effect because an absent student means that all other students have to work harder that day. Graduate students are required to produce annotated bibliographies of 10-15 articles from professional anthropological or archaeological journals. The articles may be selected by the student, but they must focus on some aspect of archaeological field methods or new excavation techniques.
Review and Approval
October, 2007
February, 2009
April, 2011