CLAS 221 - Archaeological Science:Techniques and Ethics

Institution:

Randolph-Macon College

Subject:

Description:

Archaeology is the study of the human past through material remains. Why are we intrigued by archaeology? Whose interests are served by archaeology? How do archaeologists know where to dig? How do they know when things were made, how they were made, or how they were used? How do archaeologists construct models of the behaviors of people in the past and the environment in which they lived? This course introduces the theory, methods, and ethical issues of archaeology. Topics include the responsibilities of the archaeologist, stewardship of cultural remains, and techniques such as site identification, survey, excavation, and artifact conservation. Special emphasis is on applied sciences such as archaeological chemistry, bioarchaeology, geoarchaeology, and archaeometry which provide analyses of artifacts primarily for the purposes of finding dates and provenances. The course does not focus on specific cultures or past discoveries; the methods and approaches presented here are widely used by archaeologists in all areas of the world. This course involves field work, and has a laboratory component. Partially fulfills the Area of Knowledge requirement as a natural science with laboratory. Offered alternate years. Four hours. Ms. Fisher.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.rmc.edu

Phone Number:

(804) 752-7200

Regional Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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