Introduction to Archaeology

Course Description

DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the basics of the practice, methods and theory of world archaeology. Particular emphasis is given to examples drawn from the broader Mediterranean world.

RATIONALE: 
This course gives the student a foundation for all subsequent courses in archaeology. The course deals with the most important and recently employed archaeological methods in fieldwork, dating techniques, cataloging, etc.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
As a result of taking this course, the student should be able to:
1. Define the aims and principles of archaeology and describe some of the ethical dilemmas that arise from its practice.
2. Outline and describe the development of the history of archaeology from antiquity to the present.
3. Describe the various backgrounds and habits that helped shape both the practice and the artifacts of the archaeology of the ancient Near East, Egypt and Greece.
4. List and define current practices and techniques used in fieldwork and demonstrate in a basic fashion how some of these are used.
5. Categorize and interpret the nature of archaeological evidence.