Course Description: This course focuses on the theoretical foundations of archaeological research, the variety of methods available to analyze material culture, the interpretation of results, and ethical considerations of practicing archaeology in the United States and abroad. Course provides students with a solid foundation for evaluating and contextualizing current methodological and theoretical trends within archaeology. Case studies illustrate the diversity of archaeological thought, interdisciplinary approaches to studying material culture, and innovative directions in the field of anthropological archaeology. Discussions of practice will address the roles and responsibilities of archaeologists in heritage management, museum development, and community outreach.
Texts: Breaking Ground: Pioneering Women Archaeologists (Cohen and Sharp Joukowsky, editors, 2004); The Prehistory of Home (Moore 2012); Black Feminist Archaeology (Battle-Baptiste 2011); Transforming Archaeology: Activist Practices and Prospects (Atalay, Rains, McGuire, and Welch, editors, 2014); and a variety of other publications.