The program stresses the integration of social and cultural theory in the practice of archaeology and, in particular, forges strong links with the historical anthropology that is one of the recognized strengths of the department. In addition to preparing archaeology students for anthropologically informed fieldwork and interpretation, an important element of this interdisciplinary approach is the inauguration of a training program offering students the methodological skills and theoretical grounding necessary to undertake innovative ethnoarchaeological research. Associated faculty at the Oriental Institute and in other University departments specialize in complex societies of the Near East, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. Faculty members in archaeology have major, ongoing field research projects in Armenia, Bolivia, Peru, France, India, Spain, and Syria and also have research interests in Kenya and Hawai'i. The archaeology program requires that students complete a total of 18 courses to qualify for the Ph.D., some of which may be reading and research in the field of specialization.
Students normally enroll in nine courses per year during their first two years in the program.
Within the first two years, students will complete five required courses that are designed to provide a comprehensive grounding in social and cultural theory, as well as the theory and specific methods of archaeology. In the first year, course requirements include The Development of Social and Cultural Theory offered over the autumn and winter quarters. The two-quarter sequence is equivalent to four course credits. In the spring archaeology students take Theory and Method in Archaeology, also a double-credit course. The remaining course requirements in the program, to be met in the first or second year, are Introduction to Chicago Anthropology, and a quantitative methods course approved by the faculty.