Archaeology: Unearthing History (214-0-1)
Instructors
Matilda Stubbs
Meeting Info
ANTHRO Sem Rm 104 - 1810 Hinmn: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 12:00PM
Overview of class
This course is an introduction to archaeological anthropology. Can objects have a social life? How does living in the material world impact our social realities? Such questions are among those fueling the work of contemporary archaeologists. In this course, we examine objects and artifacts, to develop a critical perspective on theoretical approaches to material culture. Learning content and activities engage students with key theories and methods in archaeological data collection and analysis. Lectures, readings, podcasts, and films emphasize how archaeology furthers the aims of anthropology, to expand understandings of the human condition. As a subfield within the discipline, anthropological archaeology combines the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, to examine cultures through material objects - over time. Through a local cemetery field trip, students have the opportunity to examine how archaeologists locate, record, and excavate the built environment through monuments and city planning. Students will also witness how artifacts are later organized and studied in the lab on campus. Assignments like weekly written field reports will guide students in developing some of the techniques used by archaeologists to piece together stories about the past and present - supported by material evidence. A range of kinds of objects will be explored throughout the class: from teddy bears, cars, toothbrushes, and body hair, to landscaping, and the shopping mall. Topics span from how archaeologists research migration, long-term climate change, and sustainability, to information and communication technologies like VR, AI, and social media.
Class Materials (Required)
All required materials will be provided via Canvas.
Class Attributes
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Historical Studies Distro Area
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area