COURSE NUMBER: ANT 150


			Text only

ARC 150

I. TITLE: Introduction to Archaeology

II. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Survey of archaeology’s contribution to humankind’s knowledge of prehistoric and historic development on a world wide basis with emphasis placed upon discoveries rather than methods of archaeology.

III. COURSE OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE:
A. The objectives for this course are:
(1) contribute toward the goals of the Murray State graduate (see page 39 of MSU Bulletin)
(2) provide a fundamental background about archaeology
(3) widen student perspectives about the discipline of archaeology;
(4) promote a more diverse education that will entail reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking
activities for students.

B. The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a better understanding of archeology and how archeologists study prehistoric and historic cultures. Classroom discussions detail the laws (ethics) (CHARACTERISTICS #‘S 6 AND 7), history and origin of the discipline, and methods used by archaeologists to investigate cultures. We will examine survey, reconnaissance and excavation techniques, and laboratory and dating techniques (CHARACTERISTIC #‘S 2 AND 4) used in archaeology. We will provide examples from and critically discuss (CHARACTERISTIC #5) major discoveries that have contributed to our understanding of the growth and development of humankind, and we will conclude with a cultural historical perspective about the local region. Students will also be required to read and write about outside archaeological materials (CHARACTERISTIC #1). It is the intent of this course to produce a student who can describe the history of archaeology, what archaeologists do, and describe contributions the discipline of archaeology has contributed to the betterment of humankind (CHARACTERISTIC #8)

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class and used as the deciding factor for borderline grades. A borderline grade is a grade that is within 1% of the next highest grade (if your attendance is better than 90% and you have a borderline grade, the grade will be increased; if your attendance is less than 90%, no change to your grade occurs).

A. Attendance Regular class attendance is vital to academic success. Except in truly extraordinary circumstances, missing more than 2 scheduled class sessions will result in lowering your course grade one grade; missing more than 4 scheduled class meetings will result in automatic failure in the course.

B. Attendance for instructor If, after 15 minutes, the instructor has not appeared in class, the students are free to go.

C. Grading Grading will be based on the following straight percentage basis: 93 to 100%, A; 82 to 92%, B; 70 to 81%, C; 60 to 69%, D; below 60%, E. (HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARDS)
1. A grade of “W” will only be given if a
student withdraws on or before the scheduled university withdrawal date.
2. A grade of “I” will be given only when a student is unable to complete the course for some reason that is satisfactory to the instructor. It shall be given only when there is a reasonable possibility that a passing grade will result from the completion of the work.

D. Tests, Readings, and Papers There will be five tests varying in points possible (usually about 50 points, but with a 100 point final), two outside reading papers (25 points each), and one computer simulation game (36 points).

E. Testing Materials Anything discussed in class, assigned to read, or viewed in class (i.e., videos, films, slides or artifacts) will be considered fair game for test or quiz questions.

F. Make-Up/Late Work Policy If you miss a class due to illness or family emergency, let the instructor know; it is the student’s responsibility to obtain missed lecture notes and information pertaining to any changes to the course schedule. Otherwise, no tests, quizzes, or assigned papers may be made up. Tests or quizzes not taken or turned in on time are recorded as zeros, unless you have an excused absence as determined by the instructor.

G. Cheating/Plagiarism Don’t do it! Students caught cheating will receive an automatic “E” for the course. Plagiarism, the use of someone else’s work, words, or ideas without proper citation will be considered cheating and will also result in automatic failure of the course. When in doubt, cite! Maintaining academic integrity is the responsibility of every student. (Note: Sun glasses and hats are not permitted during testing.)

H. Supplies No supplies other than notebook and pen/pencil are required for this course. Tests are to be taken with pencil or non-red pen.

I. Other Smoking, chewing tobacco, or eating food or drinking during class is prohibited as is listening to a Walkman (or similar device) during the lectures. Tape recorders, however, for purposes of recording the lecture are permitted.

V. FIELD/LAB WORK: Students may engage in field or lab work opportunities as they arise (opportunities to sign up for field work will be announced in class). The instructor can not guarantee either field or lab work opportunities, but will involve as many students as is logistically possible when field or lab opportunities occur.

VI. CLASS PROCEDURES:
A. Writing Expectations/Written Work Policy: You will be required to write two, one page journal article reviews. When writing the one-page paper reviews, pay special attention to your writing style. Is it specific? Is it clear? Have you expressed complete thoughts with your sentences? Does your paper have a title? Have you included a complete bibliographic reference that properly cites the journal article that you’ve read? (Be sure to include: author name, date of publication, title of article in quotations, name of journal underlined, and Vol., No., Pp.).
Example: Joseph E. Smith, 1997, “The Archaeology of Paducah,” American Antiquity, Vol. 65, No. 4, Pp. 1-10.

B. Return of Examinations/Papers: All examinations will be retained by the course instructor, although students will be given the opportunity to observe their graded examinations and ask questions about the tests. Portions of the examinations will be graded in class as part of a learning experience. One-page student paper reviews will be returned to the student for their ownership. The course instructor advises each student to keep a log of their test and paper review scores so they know how well (or poorly) they are doing in the class (see end of syllabus). The course instructor’s record book has the ultimate and final say about all course grades.

C. American Disabilities Act - Every effort will be made to ensure classroom and laboratory accessibility for all students. Any student requiring special classroom accommodations due to a disability should schedule a conference with Dr. Joseph Cartwright, Dean, college of Humanistic Studies within the first two weeks of class. Dr. Cartwright can be reached at 762-6936.

VII. ACROSS-THE-CURRICULUM COMPETENCIES:
Writing: To communicate effectively using standard written English. Students in ANT 150 will fulfill this competency by demonstrating their ability to write exam essay questions (20—30% of all exams) and writing two reviews of scientific articles (about 50 points out of 275 points). SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Reading: To understand, analyze, summarize, and interpret a variety of reading materials. Students in ANT 150 will fulfill this competency by reading Sharer and Ashmore’s Introduction to Archaeology, Chapters 1—9, 18 two outside review articles, and the reserve reading Griffin article. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Integrated learning: To think critically and make connections in learning across the disciplines. Students in ANT 150 will fulfill this competency by using critical thinking skills in their analysis of archaeological data in their exam essays and as shown in their review of two scholarly articles. A special emphasis will be placed upon the need to understand cause-effect and associational relationships between archaeology and related sciences or information. (Archaeology borrows heavily from biology, geology, physics, and chemistry. Examples of how these disciplines are used in archaeology will be emphasized.) Students will also complete the archaeology computer simulation game, “DIGKIT” which will test the students ability to apply archaeological concepts and knowledge to real life situations. INTERDSICIPLINARY UNDERSTANDING/CRITICAL THINKING/COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

Creative and Critical thinking: To elaborate upon knowledge, to create thoughts, processes, and/or products that are new to the student. Students in ANT 150 will fulfill this competency by participating in classroom discussion about the history of archaeology, its methods and practitioners, its theories, and its major discoveries, and to clarify how the content and methods of archaeology have contributed toward a better understanding of modern society. INTERDISCIPLINARY UNDERSTANDING

Ethics/values: To demonstrate an awareness of ethical considerations in making value choices. Students in ANT 150 will fulfill this competency by participating in discussions about ethical issues as they relate to archaeology, e.g., laws protecting archaeological sites, professional standards, and the ethics of digging into one’s past. RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEARNING

Classroom Participation/Discussions: At least one video per study section will be shown in class followed by in class discussions in which students will be expected to participate, critically evaluate, and contribute to the learning experience by discussing the video shown in class. Video material and in class discussions may appear again as essay questions on the examinations. RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEARNING.

VIII. REQUIRED COURSE TEXTS:
Archaeology: Discovering Our Past (1993) by Robert Sharer and Wendy Ashmore (Second Edition).
Reserve Reading: “Eastern North American Archaeology: A Summary” (Science, 1967) by James B. Griffin
DIGKIT, An Archaeological Computer Simulation Game. Kenneth C. Carstens, 1997, MSU Printing.

IX. OUTSIDE READINGS: You will write two, one page summary briefs (reviews) based on two articles you selected from a list of approved professional archeological journals below.

Journals are ranked by difficulty
(All journals are on reserve reading at the library)

Top Level (15-25 points):
    American Antiquity
    Journal of Field Archaeology (available on internet)
Mid Level (15-23 points):
    Historical Archaeology
    Mid-Continental Journal of Archaeology
    Southeastern Archaeology
Low Level (15—20 points):
    Tennessee Anthropologist (archaeology sections only)

*Directions: One page reports must be typed using 10 or 12 point font, double-spaced, with one inch margins, must properly cite the article read, and must include your name...all on one page only. Points will be deducted for not following directions and for any editorial corrections needed for your paper. Each red mark on your paper subtracts one point from your score. Students are referred to the 14th Edition of the Chicago Manual of Style for editorial assistance. It is possible to “go in the hole” point—wise with these papers. Proof read your papers carefully BEFORE you hand them in, do not leave this assignment to the night before the papers are due. Be specific when you write. Quotations longer than two lines may not be used. Fifty points are possible for this section of the course, figured at 25 points per paper maximum. See calendar for due dates.

Schedule Changes: All changes to the reading/testing schedule will be announced in class.

X. CONTENT OUTLINE (READING, LECTURING AND TESTING):

SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO UNFORESEEN CHANGES

SECTION I. ETHICS, NATURE OF ARCHAEOLOGY
Orientation to Course/Syllabus/Slack Farm Video/Laws
Chap. 1: View the Past
Science of Archaeology, Patty Jo Watson
Chapter 2: Origins/History of Archeology (Video: Myths)
Chapter 3: Contemporary Approaches
TEST #1, Chapters 1—3, laws, videos
Review of Test Results

SECTION II: DOING ARCHAEOLOGY
Chapter 4: Nature of Archeological Data
Chapter 5: Arch Research (Video: The Incas; cognitive archaeology)
TEST #2, Chapters 4 & 5, video.
Review of Test Results

SECTION III. METHODS OF ARCHAEOLOGY
Begin Chap. 6: Archeological Reconnaissance & Surface Survey
Slides-Reconnaissance/Survey/Cave Archaeology-Lost Joh (Video: Maya Lords of the Jungle)
Chapter 7: Excavation
Slides-Excavation
TEST #3, chapters 6 and 7, Videos, Slides
Review of Test Results

SECTION IV: ARCHAEOLOGICAL LABORATORY WORK
Begin Chapter 8: Field Processing & Classification (Video: Old Stone Tools/Blades—Press. Flaking)
DIGKIT COMPUTER SIMULATION GAME DUE (36 POINTS)
Classifying Artifacts (Bring your artifacts to class!)
Chapter 9: Temporal Frameworks
Chapter 18: Challenges to Arch (pp. 575-602)
TEST #4, Chapters 8—9;18; Videos
Review of Test and

SECTION V: APPLICATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE
Intro to Prehistory of the Eastern U.S.
(Video/Lost in Time)
Culture History of U.S./Paleo-Archaic (Video-Mammoths; Slides)
Culture History of U.S./Woodland-Mississippian (Slides) (Video: Vikings in America)
Early-Late Historic (Video: Slavery)
TEST #5 Final Examination/Sectional, 100 points (lecture notes,
videos)

XI. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY: Instructors adhere to university and college of Humanistic Studies Policy on Academic Honesty. Copies of the latter are posted in classrooms and in the Soc/Anthro/Swk department.

XII. PREREQUISITES: None

XIII. EXTRA CREDIT: There are two types of extra credit, field/lab work OR additional outside readings (reading classics). Students may do one or the other form of extra credit, but they may not do both. Students may earn up to 25 points for extra credit.

A. Field/Lab Work: Students may engage in field or lab work opportunities as they arise (opportunities to sign up for field work will be announced in class). The instructor can not guarantee either field or lab work opportunities, but will involve as many students as is logistically possible when field or lab opportunities occur.

B. Reading Classics in Archeology: The following books shaped current theory in archeology. (This extra credit is optional for students who do not perform field or lab work). Students may choose from the following works: (note the CALL number for each book is listed adjacent to the author’s name).

Binford, Lewis R. CC713.B56
1989 Debating Archaeology. Academic Press, New York.

Binford, Sally R., and Lewis R., (editors) CC65.B5 1968 New Perspectives in Archeology. Aldine Press, Chicago.

Childe, V. Gordon CB3l1.C54
1967 What Happened in History. Penguin Books, Baltimore.

Earle, T., and J. Erickson GN799.C45E95
1977 Exchange Systems in Prehistory. Academic Press, New York.

Earle, T., and J. Erickson GN799.E4C66
1982 Contexts for Prehistoric Exchange. Academic Press, New York.

Harris, E. CC77.5.437
1989 principles of Archaeological Stratigraphy. Academic Press, New York.

Leone, Mark P. (editor) BX8O11.L46
1972 Contemporary Archaeology: A Guide to Theory and Contributions. SIU Press, Carbondale.

MacNeish, Richard S.CC115.M23A37
1978 The Science of Archaeology? Duxbury Press, Mass.

McGimsey, Charles R. E77.9.M3
1972 Public Archeology. Seminar Press, New York.

Michels, Joseph W. CC75.M5
1973 Dating Methods in Archaeology. Seminar Press, New York.

Muller, Jon E78.04M85
1986 Archaeology of the Lower Ohio Valley. Academic Press, New York.

Noel-Hume, Ivor CC76.N65
1975 Historical Archaeology. W.W. Norton & Company, New York.

Phillips, J., and James Brown, editors E89.M67A72
1983 Archaic Hunters and Gatherers in the American Midwest. Academic Press, New York.

Salmon, M. CC72.S24
1982 Philosophy and Archaeology, Academic Press, New York.

Taylor, R. QC798.D3L5
1987 Radiocarbon Dating. Academic Press, New York.

Taylor, Walter A. CC165T38
1971 A Study of Archeology. 3rd Edition, Southern Illinois Univ. Press.

Watson, Patty Jo, S. LeBlanc, C. Redman CC72.W37
1984 Archeological Explanation: The Scientific Method in Archeology. Columbia University Press.

Wheeler, Mortimer CC75.W45
1968 Archaeology from the Earth. 4th Edition, Baltimore.

Willey, Gordon R., and Philip Phillips E61.W7
1958 Method and Theory in American Archaeology. U of Chicago Press, Chicago.

Williams, Barbara 4Q1412.B75W54
1981 Breakthrough: Women in Archaeology. Walker and Co., New York.

Last updated February 8, 2000. Designed and maintained by Kyosung Koo

A. Attendance	Regular class attendance is vital to academic success. Except in truly extraordinary circumstances, missing more than 2 scheduled class sessions will result in lowering your course grade one grade; missing more than 4 scheduled class meetings will result in automatic failure in the course.
B. Attendance for instructor	If, after 15 minutes, the instructor has not appeared in class, the students are free to go.
C. Grading	Grading will be based on the following straight percentage basis: 93 to 100%, A; 82 to 92%, B; 70 to 81%, C; 60 to 69%, D; below 60%, E. (HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARDS) 1. A grade of “W” will only be given if a student withdraws on or before the scheduled university withdrawal date. 2. A grade of “I” will be given only when a student is unable to complete the course for some reason that is satisfactory to the instructor. It shall be given only when there is a reasonable possibility that a passing grade will result from the completion of the work.
D. Tests, Readings, and Papers	There will be five tests varying in points possible (usually about 50 points, but with a 100 point final), two outside reading papers (25 points each), and one computer simulation game (36 points).
E. Testing Materials	Anything discussed in class, assigned to read, or viewed in class (i.e., videos, films, slides or artifacts) will be considered fair game for test or quiz questions.
F. Make-Up/Late Work Policy	If you miss a class due to illness or family emergency, let the instructor know; it is the student’s responsibility to obtain missed lecture notes and information pertaining to any changes to the course schedule. Otherwise, no tests, quizzes, or assigned papers may be made up. Tests or quizzes not taken or turned in on time are recorded as zeros, unless you have an excused absence as determined by the instructor.
G. Cheating/Plagiarism	Don’t do it! Students caught cheating will receive an automatic “E” for the course. Plagiarism, the use of someone else’s work, words, or ideas without proper citation will be considered cheating and will also result in automatic failure of the course. When in doubt, cite! Maintaining academic integrity is the responsibility of every student. (Note: Sun glasses and hats are not permitted during testing.)
H. Supplies	No supplies other than notebook and pen/pencil are required for this course. Tests are to be taken with pencil or non-red pen.
I. Other	Smoking, chewing tobacco, or eating food or drinking during class is prohibited as is listening to a Walkman (or similar device) during the lectures. Tape recorders, however, for purposes of recording the lecture are permitted.