Spring 2003, TR 3:15-4:30, 249 Lowry Hall
Instructor: Dr. Christopher Fisher
Office, 217 Lowry Hall Office Hours, TR 12:00-1:00
Introduction
Geoarchaeology uses analytical techniques, concepts, and field methodologies from the earth sciences to better understand the archaeological record. This course will introduce you to geoarchaeology focusing on fundamental concepts and techniques illustrated by case studies. Sections I and II of the course will focus on the identification of sediments and soils, depositional environments, and dating techniques. Section II will discuss the application of geoarchaeology to two fundamental problem areas; landscapes and ancient human environmental impacts.
Lectures will include graphics, notes, and other materials not covered in your text. Assigned reading from your text may not be discussed in class. To excel in this course and do well on exams you must both attend class and do your readings.
Pre-requisite
Anthropology 18420 – Introduction to Archaeology. If you have not had this course you must come talk to the instructor.
Readings
Required Text 1: Principals of Geoarchaeology: A North American Perspective. Michael R. Waters, 1992, University of Arizona Press, ISBN 0-8165-1770-3
Required Text 2: The Holocene: An Environmental History, 2nd Edition. Neil Roberts, 1998. Blackwell, ISBN 0-631-18638-7You will do better on the exams and have a better experience with this course if you are able to do your readings BEFORE each class.
Course Requirements:
EXAM I 2/13
EXAM II 3/13
FINAL 5/1 (last day of class)
Your course grade will be based on two exams and a cumulative final. Each exam will be a combination of short answer paired with essay questions. We will go over test format with sample questions in the last class prior to each exam. In lecture I will present material not covered in the text, or amplify text discussions. Tests will be based on material from both reading and lectures meaning that class attendance allows you to excel in this course.
No makeup exams without an appropriate medical or university related excuse.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please come meet with me during my office hours – or schedule a time if there is a conflict.
Course Outline
Read
Introduction and basic principles R, W-Ch. 1
1 1/14 L1: Class introduction
1/16 L2: What is Geoarchaeology?
Quaternary Chronology and Stratigraphy R-Ch. 3-4, W-Ch. 2
2 1/21 L3: The Holocene
1/23 L:4: Sediments
Quaternary Chronology and Stratigraphy W-Ch. 2
3 1/28 L:5 Soils I
1/30 L:6 Soils II
Dating Techniques R-Pp 8-26
4 2/4 L:7 Archaeological Interpretation of Seds. and Soils
2/6 L:8 Geomorphic Methods
Sedimentary Environments I W-3
5 2/11 L:9 Radiometric
2/13 Exam I
Sedimentary Environments II W-4, 5, 6
6 2/18 L:10 Fluvial Systems
2/20 L:11 Arid Land & Eolian
Sedimentary Environments III W-Ch. 5
7 2/25 L:12 Lacustrine
2/27 L:13 Caves, Rockshelters, Springs
Geoarchaeological Techniques I R-Pp. 28-51
8 3/4 L:14 Site Formation
3/6 L:15 Paleoecological Techniques
Geoarchaeological Techniques I
9 3/11 L: 16 Geological Techniques
3/13 Exam II
Geoarchaeological Techniques III W-8
10 3/18 L:17 Remote Sensing
3/20 L:18 How to Use Multiple Lines of Evidence
Spring Break – No class on 3/25 & 3/27
Landscapes & Human Ecology
12 4/1 L:19 Landscape Definitions
4/3 L:20 Landscape Studies
Human Impacts on Ancient Environments I R-5
13 4/8 L:21 Human Impacts: Introduction
4/10 L:22 The First Human Impacts
Human Impacts on Ancient Environments II
14 4/15 L:23 Environmental Impacts and Complex Societies
4/17 L:24 Case Study: the Lake Pátzcuaro Basin
Case Studies
15 4/22 L:25 Geoarchaeology Case Studies
4/24 L:26 Geoarchaeology Case Studies II
Archaeology in action/wrap-up
16 4/29 L:26 TBA/Make-up day
5/1 L:27 Final
This page last updated on 07/16/05