Spring 2010

ANT 462M • Archaeological Techniques

Course Description

This is a beginning course in archaeological procedures related to field work. It is a course in techniques rather than concepts or theories, though theory will, of course, be important. Archaeological Field Techniques is a preparation for fieldwork, not a field school. The single technique that is most emphasized is keeping notes and records. One of the primary themes of the course is the interplay of research goals, practice, theory, and field conditions (hard reality). These are presented within the general context of survey, remote sensing, and excavation techniques.

Importantly, students are strongly encouraged to enroll during the same semester in Ant 324L, Digital Data Systems in Archaeology, since that class alone will provide instruction in use and operation of transits, total stations, and near surface sensing technologies used increasingly in field archaeology.

back