ANTHRO 317
Field Methods in Archaeology
Please note: this is archived course information from 2020 for ANTHRO 317.
Description
This course introduces students to archaeological fieldwork. It teaches a range of field and lab methods through practical experience and theoretical investigation. The fieldwork component of the course takes place in February on Ahuahu Great Mercury Island. During the Semester we will investigate the theoretical underpinnings of various field and lab methods and the legislative framework for archaeological practice in New Zealand and globally.
The assessment for the course is designed to reflect the research process of archaeology. Assessments include participating in fieldwork and discussion sessions, writing a field report, developing a research proposal and giving a group presentation.
By the end of the Semester you should be able to confidently engage in debate on the method and theory of archaeological field practice. Learning objectives are divided into two parts. The first learning objectives are learned during the fieldwork and include practical skills such as excavating, survey and recording and describing archaeological remains and ecological contexts.
The second set of learning objectives is achieved during class time in Semester One. These learning objectives involve investigating key theoretical and methodological issues that drive developments in archaeological field practice. This includes understanding landscape archaeology and formation theory, making field observations and interpretations, heritage legislation and developing a research proposal.
Class limits information for 2020: Places are limited to 20 students.
First priority: students majoring in Anthropology or Anthropological Science, ranked by GPA in their best three Anthropology or Anthropological Science courses. Second priority: students with an Anthropology minor, ranked by GPA in their best three Anthropology or Anthropological Science courses. Other students will be offered places in the course, if available, according to their GPA in their best three Anthropology courses.
Assessment
Coursework only
Availability 2020
Semester 1
Lecturer(s)
TBA
Reading/Texts
Recommended Reading
Assessment
Coursework only
Points
ANTHRO 317: 15 points
Prerequisites
ANTHRO 200 passed with a grade of B- or higher
Corequisites
Restrictions
ANTHRO 737
