Discipline: Anthropology Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Anthropology 6


COURSE DESCRIPTION
6 Introduction to Archaeology Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
An examination of the basic concepts, methods, and findings of modern archaeology. Covers the history of archaeology, the application of archaeological methods of recovery and interpretation, and the analysis of archaeological evidence as it is used to reconstruct ancient societies and major trends in cultural evolution. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Examination of the goals, concepts, discoveries, and methods of modern archaeology as they are used to reconstruct and interpret ancient societies.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Distinguish the basic goals, concepts, and methods of
anthropological archaeology.

Apply basic archaeological fieldwork, analytical, and dating
techniques in appropriate situations.

Analyze characteristics of ancient sites using archaeological
methodology, emphasizing the importance of careful observation
and the explication of context.

Construct reasonable inferences from evidence about the
characteristics of ancient society by integrating the data, methods,
and interpretive frameworks of modern scientific archaeology.

Discuss the value of archaeological methods and perspectives in
elucidating the range of human cultural diversity of the past,
recovering lost cultures and traditional knowledge and technology,
including the significance of the perspectives of native peoples
and descendent populations.

Assess major theoretical and ethical debates in modern
archaeology.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. The discipline of archaeology
    1. Basic concepts of archaeology and anthropology
    2. History of the development of archaeology and the understanding of human prehistory
    3. Basic theoretical frameworks used in archaeology
    4. he scientific method and its application to archaeology
  2. The Archaeological Record
    1. The varieties of human technology and methods for their analysis
    2. Stratigraphy and site formation processes
    3. Application of middle range research in archaeology
  3. Fieldwork: characteristics and use of techniques
    1. Survey
    2. Excavation
    3. Remote sensing
  4. Archaeological chronology and its applications
    1. Relative dating
    2. Absolute dating
  5. Reconstruction of the past: context
    1. Past climate and environment
    2. Subsistence and economic practices
    3. Theories of cultural evolution derived from the relationship between humans and their ecological context
  6. Use of archaeological evidence and methods in the reconstruction of ancient societies
    1. Past social and political organization
    2. Ancient belief systems
  7. Archaeology in the modern world
    1. Cultural Resource Management and public archaeology
    2. The political context of controversies facing archaeology, including relations with indigenous peoples
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Class lectures, discussions, and demonstrations, in order for students to comprehend the basic concepts and frameworks used in archaeology
  • Audiovisual presentations such as videos, slides, DVDs, handouts, electronic or computer-based media, in order to illustrate and enhance course content and demonstrate application of concepts and methods
  • Artifacts and other hands-on materials, in order to illustrate and enhance course content and demonstrate application of concepts and methods
  • Pair, small group, and class collaborative exercises and projects using problems and/or hands-on materials, in order to allow students to apply basic fieldwork, analysis, and interpretive methods used in archaeology
  • Development and assignment of projects, posters, essays, and oral presentations, for the examination of case studies, application of methods, and interpretation of materials, in order to allow students to apply archaeological concepts, techniques, and interpretive methodology
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Quizzes and examinations designed to assess mastery of course concepts, critically analyze problems, and apply key concepts
  • Individual and group assignments designed to demonstrate ability to apply methods and techniques and make reasonable inferences from archaeological evidence
  • Written reports, projects, essays, posters, and oral presentations designed to apply concepts, utilize methods and techniques, apply and assess theoretical perspectives, and make reasonable inferences from evidence about ancient society and cultural evolution
  • Final examination designed to assess mastery of the essential concepts developed in the course
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Ashmore, Wendy and Robert Sharer. Discovering Our Past: A Brief Introduction to Archaeology. 4 ed. any: McGraw-Hill, 2006.
  • Fagan, Brian. Archaeology: A Brief Introduction. 9 ed. any: Prentice Hall, 2006.
  • Fagan, Brian and Christopher DeCorse. In the Beginning: An Introduction to Archaeology. 11 ed. any: Prentice Hall, 2005.
  • Feder, Kenneth. Linking to the Past: A Brief Introduction to Archaeology. any: Oxford University Press, 2004.
  • Sharer, Robert and Wendy Ashmore. Archaeology: Discovering Our Past. 3 ed. any: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
  • Steack, John. Back to the Earth: An Introduction to Archaeology. any: McGraw-Hill, 2002.
  • Sutton, Mark and Robert Yohe. Archaeology: The Science of the Human Past. 2 ed. any: Allyn and Bacon, 2006.
  • Thomas, David H. and Robert Kelly. Archaeology. 4 ed. any: Wadsworth, 2006.
  • Thomas, David H. and Robert Kelly. Archaeology: Down to Earth. 3 ed. any: Wadsworth, 2007.
09/06
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