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INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGY (ANTH 102)

Winter 2005

Mon/Wed/Fri 11:30-12:35

Instructor : Dr. Virginia L. Butler (Cramer Hall, Rm 141L)

Office Hours : Tue/Wed 10-11:00, or by appointment

Phone : 725-3303; e-mail: butlerv@pdx.edu

Teaching Assistant : William Gardner-O’Kearney;

e-mail : wcg@pdx.edu

Office Hours : Mon, 1-2, or by appt.

Course Description :

This course is an introduction to archaeology and world prehistory. In the first three weeks I will review the history and goals of the discipline and the methods archaeologists use to study the human past. I will draw on slides and films to introduce you to fieldwork, analysis, and dating methods. This overview of archaeological method and explanatory approaches will provide the framework for the last seven weeks of the course--which will trace the history of human cultures, from the earliest stone tools in Africa through to complex societies in the Old and New Worlds.

Required Texts :

Feder, Kenneth, L. (2004) The Past in Perspective: An Introduction to Human Prehistory. Mayfield Publishing Company, Mountain View, CA. (3 rd edition)

Course Requirements/Grading :

Grading is based on your performance on three exams. These tests will include essay-discussion questions and short answer. Since much of the material on the exams is based on issues we cover in class, to perform well on them, you must come to class regularly. Make arrangements to borrow a classmate’s notes if you have to miss class. Please come visit William or me if you have questions about the materials or other issues.

- 2 midterm exams (each worth 25% of grade)

- 1 final exam (worth 50% of grade; cumulative with emphasis on last 1/3rd of course).

Additional Notes: 1) If you have a valid reason (medical excuse or family emergency) for missing an exam, arrangements can be made for a make-up only if you make arrangements with me prior to the exam date. 2) The Department of Anthropology does not permit instructors to give students "Incompletes" except by petition to the Department Chair. Please see the PSU Bulletin, page 29 for the only conditions under which an "Incomplete" may be authorized. 3) a grade of C - is needed to "Pass" the course, if taking the course Pass/No Pass; 4) Students registered with DSS who need accommodation should notify the instructor.

Course Schedule

Week Topics Readings
Beginning

1/3 Introduction; History and Feder Ch 1

Goals of Archaeology

1/10 Practicing Archaeology:
survey, excavation, Feder Ch 2 (p 28-49)
classification, analysis

1/17 Holiday : Jan 17, MLK Day Feder Ch 2 (rest)

Week Topics Readings Beginning 1/3 Introduction; History and Feder Ch 1

1/10 Practicing Archaeology: survey, excavation, Feder Ch 2 (p 28-49) classification, analysis

Week Topics Readings
Beginning

1/3 Introduction; History and Feder Ch 1

1/10 Practicing Archaeology:
survey, excavation, Feder Ch 2 (p 28-49)
classification, analysis