Archaeology
Archaeology is the study of human societies by means of the material traces they have left behind: tools, bones, stone walls and so on. In cartoons and movies, archaeologists are often shown wearing pith helmets and shorts while they dig up mummies in the desert with a pyramid in the background. These images are not entirely wrong; some actually do that sort of thing. However, archaeology today is much more diverse than these stereotypes indicate. Archaeologists are interested in human biology, society, culture and economics, past and present. Archaeology has expanded its traditional interest in prehistoric peoples and some archaeologists now work on sites dating from more recent centuries.
Within the discipline of archaeology, there are several broad areas of specialization:
- Bioarchaeology concentrates on how human beings acquired their present form and behaviour by tracing human evolution and physical diversity.
- Historical Archaeology is the study of documented cultures, particularly since the expansion of Europe, around 1500.
- Prehistory is the study of ancient civilizations and hunter-gatherer societies.
Courses in archaeology provide a valuable background for students who intend to specialize in any of the social sciences or humanities or in cultural resource management, medicine, communications, government, education, law, heritage industries and many other fields.
Archaeology courses available to first-year students:
Archaeology 1030
Introduction to Archaeology and Bioarchaeology is a broad overview of archaeology and bioarchaeology introducing the concepts of human biological and cultural evolution and the methods and techniques by which these are investigated. The course is designed to provide the basis for further study in the discipline.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Note: Archaeology 1030 is a prerequisite for most other archaeology courses.
Archaeology 2590
Basic Research and Writing about the Archaeological Past is aimed at introductory level students who are curious about how archaeologists uncover evidence about the past. It is also designed to help students to become better researchers and writers. Readings will explore a variety of short classics in archaeology, from debates about when and where humans first evolved to recent research on the historical archaeology of Newfoundland. This course qualifies as a research/writing course.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
