Archaeology Program
Archaeology is the discipline most directly concerned with the understanding and explanation of past societies through the study of their material remains. The reconstruction of those societies and their environments through the interpretation of material culture permits archaeology to span both the prehistoric and the historic periods. While certain Archaeology courses originate within the program, others are cross-listed in the departments of Anthropology, Art and Art History, Classical Civilization, American Studies, and History, as well as in the Medieval Studies Program. Students are encouraged to participate in archaeological field projects, and to engage in the hands-on study of ancient materials.
Of Note
Students in ARCP291 East Asian Archaeology went foraging for acorns outside of Exley Science Center last week. During the late Pleistocene and early Holocene, people across East Asia relied on acorns as a staple food. Grinding stones found at archaeological sites in southern China dating to over 10,000 years ago still have residues from acorns on their surfaces. Acorns were ground and then washed or boiled to leach out bitter tannins. The students gave it a try themselves–grinding acorns seems like a great way to make a meal!
Check out ARCP 204, an introductory archaeology course that takes students into the field (and sometime sthe local cemetery) to study artifacts and document local history. No textbook required!
