Anthropology 8 Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

* Welcome to the Archaeology Lab (ANTH 8L) web page. This course is offered every Winter quarter along with the Introduction to Archaeology lecture course (ANTH 8). Students need not be enrolled in the lecture to take the lab, although it is highly recommended.

In the lab students learn standard archaeological field and lab methods. Students practice survey and orienteering teachniques used in archaeology, and become familiar with using compasses and topo maps. They also learn to sketch sites, artifacts, and bone using the conventions of the discipline.
 
* Experimental archaeology is also part of the lab course. We primarily focus on artifact replication and traditional technologies. Students learn to flint knap (make stone tools), produce fire-by-friction, and make cordage from plant material. Depending on time, weather, student interest, and available materials, we may also include the manufacture of other tools, traps, animal calls, drums and other instruments.
 
* The archaeology lecture class covers methods, techniques, and theories used in archaeology. We learn about pre-contact Native North, South, and Central Americans, Africans, and Australians, the evolution of complex societies, and technological innovations, such as, architechture, astronomy, art, and the domestication of plants and animals. We will also cover recent major finds, such as the Siberian Ice Maiden and the Ice Man. This class is highly recommended for anthropology students.
 
* Both the Archaeology Lecture and Lab students will have an opprtunity to visit an archaeological site. This field trip will be scheduled for a weekend day during the quarter.
 
The pictures below are from the Archaeology Lab course. Not all activities were photographed, but this will give you an idea of what we do in the class.

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