ANTH 231a - Topics in Archaeology

Institution:

Vassar College

Subject:

Description:

An examination of topics of interest in current archaeological analysis. We examine the anthropological reasons for such analyses, how analysis proceeds, what has been discovered to date through such analyses, and what the future of the topic seems to be. Possible topics include tools and human behavior, lithic technology, the archaeology of death, prehistoric settlement systems, origins of material culture. May be repeated for credit if the topic has changed. Prerequisite: prior coursework in Anthropology or by permission of instructor. Topic for 2008/09a: Field Archaeology. In this course students learn archaeological survey, excavation, and analytical techniques through working on a local archaeological site. Survey methods include both surface survey and mapping with an Electronic Total Station. We also perform test excavations both to ground test our results and to date the features encountered. Lectures and readings provide students a basic understanding of the archaeology of New York State and the theories that drive its study. In 2008 we continue our fieldwork on the Shawangunk Ridge. Ms. Johnson. Special Permission. Friday 8:30-5:30, weather permitting. When the weather is inclement, we work in the lab from 9:00 a.m. until the collections have been processed.

Credits:

1.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.vassar.edu

Phone Number:

(845) 437-7000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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