Texts
There are two required texts for the course:

Renfew, Colin and Paul G. Bahn
2000 Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice. 3rd edition. Thames & Hudson.

Peregrine, Peter N., Carol R. Ember, Melvin Ember (editors)
2001 Archaeology: Original Readings in Method and Practice. Prentice Hall.

Class Format

The class will consist of a mixture of lecture and discussion. I expect people to attend class regularly and to be prepared to answer questions on readings and participate in discussion. Reading assignments are listed in the class schedule at the end of the syllabus. Readings are essential for an understanding of the topics covered in the course and should be completed before class on the day they are assigned. Discussions are useful for exploring topics in more depth or in alternate ways that can lead to a better understanding, but discussions are only useful when people come prepared to discuss topics. In my lectures, I will also assume that you have completed the readings, so the readings will not simply be repeated or summarized.

The course is divided into three main sections. The first is a basic introduction of archaeology and the methods archaeologists use to identify data. The second section deals with analysis of archaeological data and how archaeologists use data to understand past systems of behavior. The last section goes into how analysis helps archaeologists interpret social and cultural structures and the insights of people of the past. It also deals with the politics of construction and views of the past and archaeology is involved in these debates.

If you have any problems or questions with the readings be sure to ask questions during class, or come to office hours to discuss issues on the readings, the course, or anything related to archaeology. Let me know of any problems you may be having in relation to the course, and I will do whatever I can to elevate them.

Grading

There will be three exams for the course. These exams will be based on material from lecture, readings, and films. They will have a mixed format of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. The exams will cover the different sections of the course and are noncumulative. The exams will consist of 25% of your grade each. Make-ups are only possible in cases of serious illness or emergency circumstances. If such a situation occurs, inform me before the start of the exam in person or through email.

Besides the exams, there will be two out of class assignments. I will hand out these assignments a week before they are due. They will consist of answering a problem using the techniques, theories, and/or practices discussed in class. The answer will be a 2-3 page double spaced response to the problem. The assignments will consist of 30% of your total grade.

Plagiarism and Cheating

Plagiarism and cheating will NOT be tolerated and will result in sever penalties. Cheating on exams and plagiarism will result in a failure of the course and I will turn over the student to the university's academic honors committee. Check with the University Rules and Expectations for guidelines on issues of plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Questions of what is considered plagiarism in papers should be directed to me.

Assignment 1

In 2-3 pages, typed and double-spaced, answer the following question:

Use the following stratigraphic profile and description to explain the site formation processes and depositional history for the site. The letters relate to natural stratigraphic layers and the numbers to features (either cultural or natural). In thesis paragraph form, list in order the time sequence the layers and features were created and discuss how the features and layers relate to each other. Describe layers by integrating the profile description with items in the profile drawing, identifying features as culturally or naturally created, and be sure to justify your answer. Also, identify possible uses or functions for cultural features.

Profile description:

Layer A: Dark brown silty loam; few artifacts.

Layer B: Very dark brown silt lenses; occasional artifacts; three dates recorded from artifacts (1525, 1555, 1575 CE).

Layer C: Yellow brown sandy loam; few artifacts.

Layer D: Redish brown silty loam; high collection of artifacts.

Layer E: Brown silty loam; very high collection of artifacts.

Layer F: Brown sandy loam; medium amount of artifacts; dendro. date of 100 CE.

Layer G: yellowish brown clay; sterile layer- no artifacts.