COURSE OUTLINE AND SYLLABUS ANTH 103-01, INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGY
Spring Semester 2009 Tuesday-Thursday, 7:40-8:55 a.m. MP 108 Dr. Mark G. Plew
Department of Anthropology Boise State University
ANTH 103-01 Introduction to Archaeology
7:40-8:55 a.m., MP 108 Spring 2009 Dr. Mark Plew Introduction This course is an introduction to history and basic techniques and theories in anthropological archaeology. The course will focus on the methods and theory used by prehistorians to reconstruct archaeological cultures, their environments, life ways and histories. This course consists primarily of lectures though we will engage in discussion. I will ask you questions regarding readings and lectures so stay current. We will have demonstrations and in-class exercises. Feel free to ask questions at any time. Course Objectives/Outcomes • Develop an understanding of the nature of archaeological data and the different methods and approaches used by archaeologists to understand human cultural evolution through material culture analyses Develop an appreciation of the ways in which prehistoric peoples have adapted to a variety of environmental and social changes over the past several thousands of years Develop an understanding of the relationship between prehistoric and modern material culture as it reflects the by-products of human activities
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Required Text Books Archaeology by David Hurst Thomas and Robert L. Kelly Examinations There will be two (2) hourly examinations each worth 100 points toward your course grade. The exams will be essay in format and consist of 4-5 questions from which you will choose two. You should bring blue books for exams. Blue books are standard examination books available in the bookstore at a minimal cost. These exams will be non-cumulative. The second hourly exam will be given as a take home exam at the end of the semester. There will be no make up exams! You will be given two weeks advance notice of the first hourly examination. The last hourly will distributed the last class period. It may be typed and is due in my office on Tuesday, May 12, by 5:00 P.M.
Class Exercises During some class periods you will participate in exercises designed to further enhance your understanding of archaeological concepts and methods. The exercises are intended to facilitate your thinking about archaeological problems while increasing interaction among members of the class. Quizzes Over the course of the semester I may occasionally give short 5 point quizzes. The points will be added to your total for the course. You may think of this as a way of earning extra credit. You must, however, be in class to take the quiz No exceptions! Article Review/Critique Each student will prepare an article review/critique of a scholarly publication dealing with an archaeological topic. The paper, which should be 3-4 pages in length, should provide a summary and critique of the article you select. Papers must be selected from among the following: American Antiquity, Antiquity, Journal of Field Archaeology, Plains Anthropologist, Journal of Archaeological Science, Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology to name but a few. Articles from National Geographic and Smithsonian Magazine are not scholarly works and are not acceptable in fulfillment of the requirement. A one paragraph abstract of the paper you select is due by February 20. This should include title, author(s), journal in which the paper appeared, date of publication and brief summary of the content. Paper is due March 20th. No Exceptions! This assignment is worth 100 points. Project (In lieu of Article Review/Critique) You are required to complete one of three projects that include a cemetery seriation exercise, an ethnoarchaeological exercise in which you analyze a work site, and the analysis of a hypothetical data set. I will give you these projects in written form at appropriate times during the semester. The project is due on April 17th. The project is worth 100 points. Attendance: Attendance is encouraged and will enhance your performance in this course. More than 2 unexcused late arrivals will result in your grade being lowered by a letter grade. I will occasionally take attendance if you are absent I will subtract 2 points from the total number of points you earn for the course. This could be the difference between a grade of C and a grade of B or passing at the end of the course. Class Protocol: • • • No late arrivals this is distracting for everyone. Remember that it is your responsibility to be in class on time! Each student is expected to show respect for me and your student colleagues by not talking in class You must be present at scheduled exam times no make up exams don t ask!
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Assignments are due by dates in this syllabus no exceptions! Turn off your cell phone!
Grading Grades will be assigned on the basis of the number of points acquired from a total of 300. The scale is standard and predetermined as follows: 400-360 = A 359-319 = B 318-278 = C 277-238 = D 237 or below = F Teaching Assistant Mr. Brian Wallace, a graduate student in the Department of Anthropology will serve as a TA for this course. Mr. Wallace will conduct a discussion period once a week for those who may be interested in additional help and will assist with course grading. Office Hours Room 52, Hemingway Western Studies Center (Building 1819), TTH 10:30-12:00 and by appointment. Please understand that faculty have a variety of responsibilities so that I may not always be in my office when you come to visit. If I am not in my office during a scheduled period please come by again or make an appointment. Do not hesitate to call if you have any problems. My phone number is: Office: 426-3444 and Home: 384-0479; E-mail: mplew@boisestate.edu. While I encourage you to contact me by email NO assignments should be sent electronically! Weekly Topics and Reading Assignments though lectures may be a bit ahead or behind, please stay current with the weekly reading assignments Week Beginning January 20 January 27 Feb 3/Feb. 10 February 17 Assignment Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3, 15 Chapter 4 , 5 General Topic Introduction and History of Archaeology Archaeological Science and the Humanities The Structure of Archaeological Inquiry Archaeological Data Recovery: Archaeological Survey and Geophysical Approaches Article Abstract is Due by 20th
February 24 March 3 March 10 March 17
Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9
Archaeological Data Recovery: Excavations Methods and Techniques Geoarchaeology and Site Formation Dealing with Time: Building Archaeological Chronologies Archaeological Considerations of Time, Space and Form. Article Critique is due March 20th * SPRING BREAK HOLIDAY NO CLASS* Using Analogies: Experimental and Ethnoarchaeological Approaches The Analysis of Animal and Plant Remains: Diet and Beyond Bioarchaeological Approaches. Projects Due April 17th Analysis of Prehistoric Political Systems Symbolism Historical Archaeology, CRM and the Future of Archaeology
March 24 April 2 April 7 April 14
------------Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12
April 21 April 28 May 5
Chapter 13 Chapter 14, 15 Chapters 16, 17, 18
Final Exam will be handed out during the last class period. Exam is due in my office HWSC 52 by 5:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 12th. The exam may be typed or written in a blue book.