The Navigator above requires JavaScript. Please enable it or navigate using this table. The course will be an introduction to the variety of theories, methods and techniques used by archaeologists to examine and reconstruct past human societies. Archaeologists use scientific techniques and methods from a range of scientific disciplines, including biology, geology, physics, chemistry, history and engineering.
Archaeologists study the relationship between human cultural adaptation and the environment.
By making connections and discovering interrelationships, archaeologists are able to increase our understanding of how and why human societies evolve. This course will begin by examining the basis of human culture in its biological and social dimensions. Students will be introduced to the history of archaeology, basic goals of archaeological research, basic techniques in excavation, site survey, artifact analysis and the development of research plans. Students will also be introduced to modern archaeological models and theories. Many of these models and theories used by other scientists and humanists to understand the diverse ways humanity organizes itself, economically, politically and religiously.