ARCHAEOLOGY METHOD AND THEORY (ANTH 350U)
Fall 2004
MWF 9:00-- 10:05
Instructor : Dr. Virginia L. Butler
Ph . 503.725-3303; e-mail: butlerv@pdx.edu
Office : Cramer Hall, Rm 141 L
Office Hrs : Tue/Wed: 2:00-3:00 or by appt
Course Description :
Anth 350U is an introduction to the principles of archaeology. We will examine the theory and methods used by archaeologists to locate and interpret material evidence about past human activities. The format is mainly lecture but we will have time for some class discussion. The grading will involve a mix of in-class exams, journal article reviews, and take-home exercises.
I will not be taking attendance, but I strongly urge you to attend each class; arrange to borrow someone's notes if you have to miss class. See me if you have questions about materials you do not understand. We will be covering many issues not addressed in the textbook and software; you will not do well on the exams and you will have difficulty with the exercises if you do not regularly come to class.
This class fulfills several requirements for students at PSU. The course is a requirement for Anthropology majors and as such is designed to provide a detailed background of one of the sub-fields of Anthropology, Archaeology. This course is also attached to the Archaeology Cluster in University Studies and many of you are taking this to fulfill your junior cluster requirement. I incorporate all of the goals of University Studies (Inquiry and Critical Thinking; Communication; Human Experience; and Ethical Issues and Social Responsibility) into this course, through my presentations and assignments.
Finally many of you are taking this course just because you want to!
Welcome all.
Required Text and Readings :
PSU BOOKSTORE:
Revealing Archaeology . Educational software that you will use on your personal or campus computer. Several of the take-home exercises will include problems/questions from the software and I will be asking questions in class from the material.
Thomas, D.H. (1999) Archaeology: Down to Earth. Harcourt Brace College Publishers, New York. (2nd edition)
Course Packet: available from Clean Copy (across Broadway from Cramer Hall)
Included here are TWO papers that I will be assigning during the quarter.
Course Requirements/Grading :
4 - take-home exercises and journal article reviews (ea. 25 pts)
2 - In-class exams (ea. 50 pts)
--total 200 points
You will be assigned three exercises related to sampling/ research design, stratigraphy/ dating, and ethics and cultural resources management that you will have about 1 week to complete. You will also write one journal article review, which is a three page critical review and summary of a professional research paper. These assignments MUST BE TURNED IN ON THEIR DUE DATE. I will ONLY accept late assignments if you are seriously ill or have a family emergency. No other excuses. The in-class exams will be a mix of objective (mult.choice), short answer, and essay questions; the final exam will be cumulative. You will be able to make-up an exam, only if you have a valid reason (medical excuse or family emergency); arrangements need to be made prior to the exam time. Use the telephone, not e-mail, if you are unable to get to class to take the exam.
I will give you more information on these assignments and tests in class.
Additional Notes :
1) The Anthropology Department does not permit instructors to give students "Incompletes" except by petition to the Department Chair. Please see the PSU Bulletin for the only conditions under which an "Incomplete" may be authorized. 2) Students registered with the Disability Resource Center who need accommodation, should notify the instructor. 3) According to University and Anthropology Department policy, a grade of C- is needed to "Pass" the course, if taking the course "Pass/No Pass". 4) If you are an Anthropology major go see one of the faculty in the Anthropology Department for advising related to course-taking and suggestions for achieving career goals.
WeekTopics Software/Readings
Beginning
9/27 introduction; why important? R.A. “Humanities a science? a humanity? Imprint”, Thomas Ch. 1 & 2 culture history; reconstruction;
10/4 processual and postprocessual archaeology continue R.A. Humanities scales of explanation; emic vs. etic imprint;
10/11 archaeological site formation; R.A. “Leaving a Trail” Middle Range Research. Ex. 1 due Thomas Ch. 6
10/18 dating methods, chronology building R.A. “Tracking Down Time”; begin “Charting Time”:
Thomas Ch. 4
10/25 dating methods, chronology building; R.A. finish: “Charting Time”; Research Design; Field work Thomas Ch. 3 Ex. 2 Handed Out begin R.A. “Following the trail”; Thomas Ch. 5
11/1 Exam 1: Nov. 1, Monday; Finish Field Work & Sampling
11/8 Technology: Classification & Analysis R.A. “Detecting Technology” Ex. 2 Due
11/15 Subsistence & Paleoenvironments R.A. “Provisioning Society” Ex. 3 Handed Out Thomas Ch. 7, 8, Broughton 1997
11/22 social relationships; archaeology of foragers Thomas Ch. 9 & 10 (in part) Ex. 3 Due; Th'givingHoliday Binford 1980
11/29 CRM; site conservation; conflicts over R.A. “Preserving the Trail” ownership; Ex. 4 Handed Out Thomas Ch. 12.