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 12:30PM - 1:50PM
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. The course has three main components. First, we look at the history of the discipline, its theoretical underpinnings, and its practical applications. Next, we learn about archaeological methods, including how archaeologists create research designs, discover and excavate sites, and analyze artifacts and features. Last, we 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, 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.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
• Understand basic archaeological principles including research design, excavation methodology, laboratory analysis, and interpretation.
• Think critically about social and material phenomena and develop these critical thinking skills by analyzing archaeological evidence.
• Recognize how archaeologists reconstruct and interpret the past, and appreciate how this information applies to understanding the present.
• Evaluate the significance and integrity of local and global archaeological case studies.
• 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)
Provided via Canvas
Class Attributes
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Historical Studies Distro Area
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm B07 - 1810 Hinmn: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm B07 - 1810 Hinmn: Fri 8:30AM - 9:20AM
DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm B07 - 1810 Hinmn: Mon 8:30AM - 9:20AM
DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm B07 - 1810 Hinmn: Tues 9:00AM - 9:50AM
DIS - ANTHRO Sem Rm B07 - 1810 Hinmn: Tues 10:00AM - 10:50AM
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 - ANTHRO Sem Rm B07 - 1810 Hinmn: Thurs 9:00AM - 9:50AM