ANTH 002
(GS)
Introduction to Archaeology (3) Survey of basic approaches used by archaeologists to interpret basic prehistoric human cultural patterns.
ANTH 002 Introduction to Archaeology (3)
(GS)
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirement.
Introduction to Archaeology is designed to introduce the basic theories, methods, and data archaeologists use to study ancient peoples, past cultures, and their natural environments. A problem-oriented approach to learning about archaeology combines two one-hour lectures with a one-hour, hands-on lab session each week. The theories and methods introduced in lectures are applied to archaeological data in the computer lab in order to answer questions about life in the past. Hands-on involvement is emphasized through the use state-of-the-art computers, archaeological software, and (where possible) the handling of archaeological collections. Grades for this course are based on two to three exams and the lab exercises.
The course may vary from this standard on other campuses depending upon the availability of computer labs and archaeological collections. However, the weekly lab exercises are available to all campuses from the Department of Anthropology. Students on all campuses will be expected to interact with each other and with the instructor in weekly discussions and exercises. They engage in data gathering, synthesis, and analysis, using exercises that make use of information on the internet as well as data provided by PSU archaeologists. The exercises emphasize human cultural diversity over time and space. There is also an emphasis on the ethics of archaeological research and the ways in which scientific choices and ethical choices interact in professional archaeology. The logical and ethical principles learned are applicable to a broad range of problems that students are likely to encounter in anthropology, in other disciplines, and later in their lives.
This course is one of three core courses required of majors in the Anthropology department and it is also required for the minor. ANTH 002 serves as a stepping stone to more advanced and specialized courses in anthropology. This course can be used to fulfill three credits of General Education in the Social/Behavioral Sciences for the Bachelor of Arts requirement.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.