Introduction to Archaeology

Class

Overview of human origins and bio-cultural adaptations.  Also introduces methods and theory in the excavation and interpretation of material remains of past cultures.

The study of the human past through material remains.  The course includes a discussion of methods and theories relevant to archaeological inquiry.  Topics may include the adoption of agriculture, response to environmental change, the emergence of complex societies, and ethics in discipline.   

Course Learning Objectives
  1. Explain and demonstrate through hands-on experience, the key techniques and methodology used in Archeology.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of long-term cultural change from and archaeological perspective.
  3. Identify the various archaeological theories, methods, and techniques used to investigate the human past.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry and its application in archaeological research.
  5. Articulate the goals, and the legal, operational, and ethical framework of cultureal resource management and heritage preservation.
  6. Illustrate the use of archaeological methods with reference to cultural sequence.
  7. Identify and evaluate examples of regional prehistoric and historic cultural resources and their change of sequence over time.

Course Objectives:

  1. Develop an appreciation for the basic key concepts and theories in Archaeology.
  2. Explain the techniques and methods used in Archaeology.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of long-term cultural change from an archeological perspective.

REQUIRED INSTITITIONAL CORE LEARNING OUTCOMES (ICLO):

Communication (COM), Critical Thinking (CT), Empirical & Quantitative Reasoning (EQR), Social Responsibility (SR)

Required Textbooks
  • Down to Earth, 5th edition by Robert L. Kelly and Hurst Thomas
  • National Geographic Learning Reader: Archaeology, 1st edition by National Geographic Learning. 
Evaluation Standards

The individual instructor will determine how they will weigh major exams, tests, quizzes, and projects.  Findings discovered in the field will be evaluated during student presentations of material.  The percentage for various grades will be:

90 – 100 = A    80 - 89 = B        70 - 79 = C              60 – 69 = D       Below  60 = F

Instructional Methods

Lecture and field study will be intermixed so that the excavation and collection of artifacts and specimens, etc. will directly enhance the lecture material.

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).