ANT 6921- ARCHAEOLOGY FIELD SCHOOL
2 Credit Hours
Student Level:
Nonrestricted.
Catalog Description:
ANT 6921 - Archaeology Field School (2 hrs.)
A hands-on course in archaeological field work. Students will learn archaeological field methods such as controlled excavation, documentation, and artifact processing.
Course Classification:
Lecture/Lab
Prerequisites:
NONE. ANT 6920- Introduction to Archaeology recommended.
Controlling Purpose:
The purpose of this course is to provide students with practical experience with the basic steps of archaeological fieldwork such as survey, excavation, documentation, and artifact processing.
Learner Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, the student will:
1. Define key archaeological terms and concepts.
2. Describe methods used to survey and locate archaeological sites.
3. Demonstrate basic archaeological fieldwork skills such as surveying, establishing an excavation grid, excavating in stratigraphic or arbitrary levels, and/or screening for artifacts.
4. Document fieldwork results through record forms, field notes, and/or photography.
5. Demonstrate basic artifact processing skills.
6. Work effectively in groups.
Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation:
The following outline defines the minimum core content, not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other material as time allows.
UNIT 1: Goals of Archaeological Investigation
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to successfully demonstrate knowledge of the purpose and goals of archaeological fieldwork.
- Describe the purpose and nature of the field school.
- Define terms such as site, artifact, and feature.
- Explain the significance of archaeological context and association.
- Recognize the organization and leadership structure of the field school.
- Discuss the cultural and historical significance of the project area.
UNIT 2: Site Survey
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to successfully demonstrate knowledge of archaeological survey.
- Describe the purpose of an archaeological survey.
- Define terms such as pedestrian survey, subsurface survey, shovel test pit, and remote sensing.
- Review examples of archaeological survey results.
- As opportunity allows, conduct a pedestrian, subsurface, or remote sensing survey to investigate a site (under the instructor’s supervision).
UNIT 3: Site Excavation
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to successfully demonstrate knowledge of the proper techniques of archaeological excavation.
- Discuss the process of site excavation
- Define terms such as in situ, stratigraphy, and test unit.
- Recognize the importance of preserving context through record keeping.
- Know the difference between arbitrary and stratigraphic layers.
- As opportunity allows, demonstrate basic excavation skills such as stratigraphic excavation and screening artifacts (under the instructor’s supervision).
UNIT 4: Documentation Methods
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to successfully demonstrate knowledge of archaeological record keeping.
- Appreciate record keeping as an essential component of ethical archaeological research.
- Discuss the ramifications of poor record keeping.
- Review examples of maps and illustrations used to document archaeological fieldwork.
- Document fieldwork through record forms, photography, and/or field notes.
UNIT 5: Handling Artifacts in the Field
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to successfully demonstrate knowledge of basic artifact processing skills.
- Define terms such as screening, water screening, flotation, lithic, sherd, and diagnostic artifact.
- Review examples of artifacts typical of the project area.
- Demonstrate the ability to label bags and/or tags with context information.
- As opportunity allows, demonstrate basic artifact processing skills such as screening, washing, and sorting artifacts (under the instructor’s supervision).
Projects Required:
Varies, refer to syllabus.
Textbook:
Contact Bookstore for current textbook.
Materials/Equipment Required:
None
Attendance Policy:
Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Grading Policy:
The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Maximum class size:
20
Course Time Frame:
The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college. A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.
Refer to the following policies:
402.00 Academic Code of Conduct
263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades
403.00 Student Code of Conduct
Disability Services Program:
Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability. If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class and which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.
DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR THE OFFICIAL COURSE PROCEDURE CONTACT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS.
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