Archaeology: Unearthing History (214-0-2)
Instructors
Melissa Rosenzweig
1812 Hinman #304
Office Hours: Mondays, 1:00 – 3:00 pm or by appointment. Room 304, 1812 Hinman
Melissa Rosenzweig is an anthropological archaeologist specializing in environmental archaeology of the ancient Near East. Her research incorporates regional specialization in northern Mesopotamia and the Levant, methodological expertise in archaeobotany, and theoretical specialization in human-environment interactions.
Meeting Info
Block Pick-Laudati Auditorium: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
This course is an introduction to the anthropological subfield of archaeology, its theories and methods, and the political and social issues that arise when we study human pasts. In this course, we look at the history of the discipline and its theoretical underpinnings, as well as methodological topics including how archaeologists create research designs, discover and excavate sites, and analyze artifacts and features. We will also explore how archaeology confronts and deals with contemporary issues critical to the archaeological project and the communities that archaeologists engage with: e.g. heritage preservation and Indigenous/community rights, Black lives and Black histories, environmental degradation and sustainability, feminist archaeology and gender equality. Throughout the course, students will learn about archaeological case studies from around the globe and from a variety of historical periods.
Registration Requirements
Open to all; no pre-requisites
Learning Objectives
"Students will gain an understanding of basic archaeological principles including research design, excavation methodology, laboratory analysis, and interpretation.
Students will think critically about social and material phenomena and develop these critical thinking skills by analyzing archaeological evidence.
Students will apply their knowledge of archaeology to recognize how archaeologists reconstruct and interpret the past, and appreciate how this information applies to understanding the present.
Students will evaluate local and global archaeological case studies.
Students will become familiar with the variety of ways of being human across time and place and appreciate perspectives of people from diverse communities and cultures."
Class Materials (Required)
Introducing Archaeology (2020, Third Edition). By Robert J. Muckle and Stacey L. Camp. University of Toronto Press. ISBN- 9781487524456 (paperback). ISBN: 9781487534530 (e-book). Students may purchase either the paperback (new or used) or e-book version for the course.
Class Notes
Attendance required at all classes, however credit for missed classes can be made up with prior approval.
Class Attributes
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Historical Studies Distro Area
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
SDG Sustnble Cities&Commnities
SDG Climate Action
Associated Classes
DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm B07 - 1810 Hinmn: Mon 9:00AM - 9:50AM
DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm B07 - 1810 Hinmn: Mon 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - 555 Clark 230: Tues 9:00AM - 9:50AM
DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm B07 - 1810 Hinmn: Wed 9:00AM - 9:50AM
DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm B07 - 1810 Hinmn: Wed 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - 555 Clark 230: Thurs 9:00AM - 9:50AM