ANTH 16 - Introduction to Archaeology

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the study of concepts, theories, data and models of anthropological archaeology that contribute to our knowledge of the human past. The course includes a discussion of the nature of scientific inquiry; the history and interdisciplinary nature of archaeological research; dating techniques; methods of survey, excavation, analysis, and interpretation; cultural resource management; professional ethics; and selected cultural sequences. (C-ID ANTH 150).

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Identify the various archaeological theories, methods, and techniques used to investigate the human past.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry and its application in archaeological research.
3. Articulate the goals, and the legal, operational, and ethical framework of cultural resource management and heritage preservation.
4. Illustrate the use of archaeological methods with reference to cultural sequences.
5. Discuss the relationship between anthropology and archaeology.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

1. Collaborative Group Work
2. Discussion
3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
4. Lecture
5. Directed projects and writing assignments (students will be required to write the equivalent of 2,500 words or more through a variety of writing assignments, to be conducted through formal research [using library resources, computer searches, and written in a formal style, e.g. MLA, APA, or Chicago]).

1. Exams/Tests
2. Quizzes
3. Research Projects
4. Papers

Reading Assignments

1. Read the article from the Annual Editions of Archeology titled ‘Lost Man.” This article deals with the Kennewick man case. Pay close attention to the discussion of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). What issues does this article raise with regard to the ethical and moral obligations for archaeologists regarding the handling of ancient human burials. Be prepared to discuss this article in class.
2. Read the chapter dealing with “Preclassic Mesoamerica.” Be able to discuss the fundamental characteristics of the preclassic period and compare with similar time periods in other parts of the world. Also, why it is problematic to think in terms of strict or absolute time periods when attempting to reconstruct past life-ways and culture change over time?

Writing Assignments

1. Write a 500-word essay summarizing scientific process as utilized by archaeologists. Pay close attention to “provenience” as a key concept guiding control over archaeological materials. Contrast the use of provenience with the related concept of “provenance,” as art historians tend to use the term. This will provide a contrast between scientific method and those practices utilized by art historians. Describe how archaeologists approach setting up an archaeological site with scientific controls in place (e.g. mapping, use of datum points, generally controlling for temporal and spatial variables). Briefly outline what happens to archaeological materials after they are removed from a site. Keep in mind maintenance of scientific control for organizing archaeological collections. Share your papers by way of class presentations.
2. Write a three-page essay summarizing Robert Carneiro’s “circumscription” model for state emergence. What is “circumscription” and how does it explain state emergence?

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Visit the de Young Museum and pay attention to its early “civilizations” collection. Note the collection from Teotihuacan. How are these artifacts and murals indicative of state level culture?
2. Attend the Anthropology Forum at CSU Chico. The topic concerns maintenance of professional archaeological collections, including policies regarding accession/de-accession process and record keeping, access for visiting scholars, storage and care concerns, and generally how to run an archaeological lab that maintains large collections. The archaeologist is a basket specialist. Pay close attention to how archaeologists and curators handle delicate baskets. Share what you learned at the forum in class the following week.

Fagan, Brian and Nadia Durrani. (2023). World Prehistory: A Brief Introduction. Routledge, 11th. 9781032366005.

Bahn, Paul and Colin Renfrew and Elizabeth DeMarrais. (2024). Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice. Thames and Hudson, 9th. 978-0500849989.

Zero Cost Textbook

Ollich-Castanyer, Imma, editor. Archaeology, New Approaches in Theory and Techniques. InTech, 9 May 2012. Crossref, doi:10.5772/2412.

Archaeology: New Approaches in Theory and Techniques (University of Barcelona/IntechOpen)

https://www.intechopen.com/books/1999

Anthropology (Masters Required)