Archaeological Methods

This course introduces students to the range of research methods employed by archaeologists. The goal is not for students to master all of these methodological techniques - rather, students should walk away from the course understanding the archaeologist's methodological toolkit, and how they might use each tool to answer different kinds of research questions. Our approach will be epistemological - that is, we will study how archaeologists know what they know about the past. We will discuss methods and lab techniques within the context of theoretical approaches within the tradition of Americanist, anthropological archaeology. Our course will cover site survey and excavation techniques, artifact analyses, community-collaborative work, and fieldwork safety. Lab activities will take place during regularly scheduled class meetings, with occasional activities taking place outside (weather permitting). Students will have the opportunity to explore their research interests through a final written paper. This course may be taken for 5 units only.