Archaeology Lab

ANTL 207

Spring term, 2010                                                                                                        Scott E. Simmons, Ph.D.

TTh 12:30-1:45 pm                                                                                                      simmonss@uncw.edu; 910.962.3429

SBS Room 100, UNCW                                                                                               Office Hours: T & Th 9:00-11:00

Course Description:
The archaeology laboratory class is designed primarily to give you hands-on experience working with the various cultural materials that are brought in from the field.  You’ll learn how artifacts and other samples are processed, catalogued, and analysed.  You’ll also learn different skills that are essential parts of archaeological work in the laboratory, including using computer applications for processing, manipulating, presenting and analysing archaeological data.  The class will consist of a very limited number of lectures, with more emphasis placed on active participation in all aspects of  archaeological lab work.  Part of the class will include the use of at least two interactive software programs, Virtual Dig and Excavating Occaneechi Town, that simulate all aspects of an archaeological field project. You will practice various skills you learn using materials from actual archaeological research projects.  Along with lectures and in-class exercises, a portion of the class will consist of self-directed work on artifacts, drawings, and other materials from the sites of Evergreen Plantation and Lamanai, Belize.

Topics of Discussion and Lab Activities                                                                       

January 7

            Introduction to Anthropology & Archaeology – why study humankind’s past?

            What Arch Lab is all about

January 12, 14

            Components of Archaeological Research Projects – what are they?

            Exercise 1

 January 19, 21

            Classifying archaeological materials – artifacts and samples

            Exercise 2

January 26, 28

            Analyzing chipped stone tools – how it’s done

            Exercise 3                                                                   

February 2, 4

What’s a Small Find - temporally and culturally diagnostic artifacts

Exercise 4

February 9, 11

            How to read a map, drawing or other visuals used in archaeology

            Exercise 5

February 16, 18

            Artifact recovery in the field – how is it done?

            Exercise 6       

February 23, 25

            The analysis of prehistoric period ceramics

            Exercise 7

March 2, 4

            Prehistoric pottery – how it was made

March 9, 11 – Spring Break NO CLASSES

March 16, 18

            Analysing prehistoric & historic ceramic artifacts

March 23, 25

How to make a map, tape & compass

Exercise 8

March 30 & April 1

            How are artifacts exhibited in museums?

            Exercise 9

April 6, 8

            Archaeology on tour – exhibits, exhibitions, and public outreach

            Exercise 10

April 13, 15

            Report writing in Archaeology – Components, Methods and Goals

April 20, 22

            Assignment wrap-ups & summaries

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Office Hours:

My office hours are on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9:00-11:00 or by special appointment.  Feel free to come in during these hours – my door will be open.  I am located in Rm. 103, in the SBS Building, just a two doors away from our lab.  My office telephone number is (910) 962-3429, and my e-mail address is simmonss@uncw.edu.

Grading:

Archaeology Lab is a one credit course.  Attendance in this class is mandatory and you are expected to make up any classes or time that you miss.  Good attendance will be rewarded.  The primary component of your grade is based on in-class participation and completion of lab exercises.  You’re expected to participate in each of the archaeological skills-based learning activities (exercises), and complete all in-class assignments.  Following is a list of the activities you’ll be completing and the archaeological field and lab skills that you’ll be learning.

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 Skills-Based Learning Activities

Archaeology Lab

ANTL 207

Spring 2010

Exercise 1 – Classifying archaeological materials – what is this?

Exercise 2 - Creating a Research Design – how and why it is essential

Exercise 3 – Analysing chipped (stone) artifacts

Exercise 4 – Historic artifacts from Evergreen Plantation – Small Finds

Exercise 5 – Reading a topographic map – where in the world is my site?

Exercise 6 – Archaeological field methods – site survey, identification & excavation

Exercise 7 – Historic ceramics from Evergreen Plantation, Louisiana

Exercise 8 – Tape and Compass drawing in the ‘field’

Exercise 9 – How museums exhibit their artifacts – UNCW’s Museum of World Cultures

Exercise 10 – How states visually portray the importance of their archaeological heritage

You’ll be turning in each of these ten exercises for a grade for ANTL 207.

Other activities you’ll be doing in Archaeology Lab

Completing Site Forms

Obtaining Counts & Weights for various groups of artifacts

Artifact Illustration

Drafting

Profile drawing, Features, Artifacts

Pottery making

Compiling an archaeological report

            Draft report

Final report

Issues in Cultural Resource Management