COURSE OUTLINE
Course
Number: AN203 College: CAS/Humanistic Studies
Course
Title: Introduction to Archaeology
Credit
Hours: 3 Semester Offered: Fall/Odd Years
Date
of Final Approval:
Course
Count as ______ general education
requirement
______ part of the Anthropology major program
______ elective
1.
CATALOGUE
DESCRIPTION:
Introduction
to Archaeology is designed to acquaint students with the methods, theory, and
techniques of archaeology, especially as they apply to reconstructing
prehistoric societies and explaining cultural change.
2.
COURSE CONTENT:
The
topics discussed include such issues as the definitions of archaeology, types
of archaeologists, the nature and aims of archaeology, practical problems of
archaeology, the development and history of archaeology before and after
Darwin, archaeological data recovery methods, dating techniques, and other
related issues. In addition, the course outlines the current state of knowledge
concerning past human cultures using a number of exciting results of
archaeological investigations carried out in Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania and
the New World.
3. RATIONALE FOR THE COURSE:
The
course enables students to acquire introductory knowledge regarding the
overview of archaeology as an academic discipline.
4. SKILLS AND BACKGROUND REQUIRED OR
EXPECTED:
Students
should have taken Anthropology 101 (Introduction to Anthropology) which is
listed in the catalogue as a prerequisite for the course.
5. TEACHING METHODOLOGY AND ANTICIPATED CLASS
SIZE:
The
anticipated class size is 10 – 15. The
class incorporates a combination of lectures, audio-visual presentations, class
discussions, and field excursions if time permits. Guest speakers are invited to discuss special topics of interest
and relevance whenever appropriate.
6. ADDITIONAL COURSE DESCRIPTORS:
None.
7. LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR THE STUDENT:
Students
enrolled in the course will be able to demonstrate the following:
a) a command of basic knowledge pertaining to archaeology as an academic discipline at the undergraduate level
b) an understanding of prehistoric societies as revealed by archaeological investigations
c) knowledge of the history and development of archaeology since the Greco-Roman times to the present day
d) enhanced critical and creative thinking skills
e) enhanced skills in both written and verbal presentations
8. METHODS OF EVALUATION:
Methods
of evaluation for the course include the following:
a) a mid-term examination which focuses on both lecture materials and homework assignments
b) a final examination which may include a take-home essay in addition to the testing of knowledge covered in lectures and homework reading assignments
c) class attendance and participation, especially in discussions which allow students to develop their in-depth understanding of the subjects covered in class
9. REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR STUDY GUIDES:
Required: Renfrew, Colin and Paul Bahn, 1996,
Archaeology, Theories, Methods and Practice.
London: Thames and Hudson.
Recommended: Additional readings are recommended from
time to time utilizing books and academic journals available in learning
resources facilities.
10.
SUBSEQUENT
COURSES:
Additional
lower and upper-division courses in Anthropology such as AN262, AN462, and
AN325 are available in the sub-discipline of
archaeology and listed in the UOG catalogue.