Anthropology 220 ☺ Archaeology Research Methods ☺ Spring 2011 TTH 2:00 - 3:15pm, 1190 Candelaria Dr. Andy Creekmore Office: Candelaria 2263; tel. 351 2761 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: TTH 1-2 pm Course Description This class introduces the history, theories, and methods of the field of archaeology. Most of what we know about prehistory derives from archaeological research, and much of written history is supplemented or even contradicted by archaeological research. This makes archaeology an essential field for anthropology, history, and other subjects with which it intersects. This course focuses on field and laboratory methods of archaeology. We will cover many techniques ranging from surface survey and geophysics to analysis of bone, ceramic, lithic and other materials. As we study these methods we will review archaeological theories related to interpreting the material remains that make up our data. Learning Outcomes Knowledge Goals In this course you will develop knowledge of contemporary practices in archaeological research. Skills Goals In this course you will gain familiarity with methods commonly used by archaeologists in field and laboratory settings, including analysis and interpretation of site and survey data, report writing, interdisciplinary approaches, and integration of subfields in cultural resource management and heritage preservation. In this course you will develop your ability to critically analyze and synthesize well-structured arguments, to solve problems effectively and creatively through research and scholarship in archaeology. Instructional Methodology This course consists of lectures combined with in-class, outdoor, and at-home activities that explore archaeological methods. We will use the Blackboard online portal (http://bb.unco.edu) for additional readings, videos, labs, study guides, and other material. If you need assistance with blackboard, contact the Technical Support Center at https://www.unco.edu/it/itforms/callsub.htm or call (970) 351 – 4357 or 1-800-545-2331 (M-Th 7am – midnight; F 7am-5pm; SS noon to 7pm). Instructor-Student Communication Students should not hesitate to contact the instructor with any questions, comments, or concerns. The instructor may be reached at the email address and office above. If the instructor’s office hours conflict with your schedule then you should contact the instructor to schedule a special appointment. Special needs If you have special learning needs and require disability accommodation for this class then you should inform the instructor by giving appropriate notice. You should also contact Disability Support Services at (970) 351 – 2289 to certify documentation of disability and to ensure that appropriate accommodations are implemented in a timely manner. I want you to be comfortable in the class and I want to be certain that you receive any assistance that you need.Course Policies 1) Make-up exams are given only when true emergencies occur, and only with proper documentation, such as a doctor’s note. If you find yourself in such a situation please contact Professor Creekmore before the exam if at all possible. DO NOT SCHEDULE VACATIONS OR OTHER TRIPS DURING EXAMS AS THESE DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN ACCEPTABLE CONFLICT AND A MAKE-UP WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. THE FINAL EXAM IS OFFERED ONLY ON THE DATE AND TIME ASSIGNED TO THIS COURSE BY THE UNIVERSITY. 2) Students who add the course late are expected to contact the professor immediately and complete any missed assignments in a timely fashion (usually 1 week after adding). 3) Late work is NOT accepted. 4) There is NO extra credit. 5) Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. You either know it or you don’t, and your integrity will suffer less if you own what you know/don’t know. Please especially avoid plagiarism in composing your written assignments. To plagiarize is to present the words or ideas of some else as if they were your own. In other words, if you are cutting and pasting from any source, or closely following the format/content of another paper, you must cite the source in every instance. This includes websites, books, unpublished papers, lectures, etc. Penalties for plagiarism range from a failing grade on the assignment or course to more comprehensive University disciplinary action. For more information on this topic and university policies, consult this website: http://library.unco.edu/assistance/plagiarism.htm Evaluation Your grade is based on your combined score for the following activities: 50% Two tests: 1 mid term and 1 final exam. 50% Activities / labs. Grading Scale (Note: Final grades are not negotiable). 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C 60 -69 = D 0-59 = F Assistance If you are having difficulty with the course, do not hesitate to contact Professor Creekmore for assistance. Grades, announcements, and assignment guidelines will be posted to Blackboard. (http://bb.unco.edu or http://unco.blackboard.edu) Please check Blackboard and your UNC email regularly. Required Readings 1) Textbook: Archaeology Down to Earth by Robert L. Kelly and David Hurst Thomas, 4th Edition 2011. 2) Readings posted to Blackboard (http://bb.unco.edu or http://unco.blackboard.edu) 3) During some weeks your reading load will be light, for others it will be heavier. Be sure to look ahead on the syllabus periodically so you can manage your preparation time effectively. Dates of special significance Last day to drop the course: Friday January 14 Midterm: March 3 Last day to withdraw from the course: Friday March 4 FINAL EXAM: Wednesday May 4, 10:45 – 1:15.COURSE SCHEDULE: TOPICS AND READINGS (Readings not in the textbook are posted to the course web page. Please read the assigned chapter or article BEFORE the class date for which it is listed). ***NOTE: The schedule or topic of readings or assignments may change during the course. Be sure to check Blackboard each week for announcements of any changes. WEEK Reading Assignment Week 1: Jan 11, 13 Intro to archaeology History of archaeology Kelly and Thomas [KT] Ch 1 __________________________________________________________________________________________ Week 2: Jan 18, 20 The Structure of archaeological inquiry KT Ch 2 Archaeology, stewardship, and ethics KT Ch 13