ANTHROPOLOGY 290
Field Laboratory in Archaeology
5 credit hours
Introduces the techniques and theory of primary archaeological lab analysis through the examination of materials from sites currently under investigation. Individual projects may center around particular interests. (2 lecture hours, 6 lab hours)
Students will receive both lecture and hands-on training pertaining to the processing, identification, and stabilization of archaeological material culture. This will be supported by readings from an internationally recognized text as well as a manual especially prepared for this project. Additional reinforcement will be provided by Czech specialists and visits to Czech museums and archaeological laboratory facilities. Additional visits to facilities in neighboring nations may also be arranged, pending availability of personnel from these institutions. Evaluation of students will be based on (1) participation in course-related activities, (2) completion of a predetermined number of practicum hours in laboratory (minimally 40), (3) maintenance of appropriate journal and record forms to demonstrate student work, and (4) demonstrated competence and safety with fundamental laboratory procedures.
Course Objectives Include:
Introduction to the functions and roles of an archaeological laboratory
The laboratory as a central place on a project
The laboratory as a resource center
The laboratory as a compliment to field exploration in addressing research questions
Introduction to the realm of archaeometry (an alliance between natural sciences and archaeology), including its benefits and limitations
Analytical techniques and possibilities for specific material remains
Procedures for conserving material culture in the field and field laboratory
Teach methods of material cultural processing
Connection between laboratory techniques and research questions
Connection between laboratory procedures and larger issues of data manipulation and interpretation
Artifact cleaning, storage, and cataloging
Artifact identification and issues related to the significance of temporally and culturally diagnostic materials
Teach methods of data control and tracking
Fundamentals of data recording
Fundamentals of database design and operation
Students completing this course should...
Demonstrate competence in safely handling materials associated with archaeological laboratory work
Demonstrate competence in the processing and tracking of archaeological material culture
Demonstrate familiarity with the different roles played by an archaeological laboratory, both to project members and visitors
Demonstrate familiarity with the basic categories of material culture recovered from the excavations in the region
Be able to use basic database technology to enter, find, and sort appropriate data.
Have increased personal confidence and self-reliance as a consequence of undertaking hands-on experiences in archaeology and by experiencing a Non-American culture firsthand