ANTH 133 - Archaeology Field Methods

Credits: 3
This course offers an introduction to the tools and field methods of archaeology. Students will participate in a scientific endeavor rather than a simulation. Field instruction will be carried out at an archaeological site registered with the New Jersey State Museum. Topics will include mapping sites, site preparation, grid setup, shovel testing, trowel excavation, recording data, the basics of soils classification, and artifact identification and interpretation. Emphasis will be placed on the relevance of archaeology for understanding the history of local communities. Students will become familiar with the methods and theory behind historical archaeology, PreContact archaeology, colonial archaeology and preindustrial archaeology.