Archaeology and Anthropology Department (ARC/ANT)

College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities
Department Chair: Timothy McAndrews
435A Wimberly Hall; 608.785.6774
Email: tmcandrews@uwlax.edu

www.uwlax.edu/academics/department/archaeology

Departmental mission

The Department of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) is one of the most unique and high-profile departments in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CASSH). We offer major programs of study in archaeological studies and cultural anthropology and minors in archaeology and anthropology. The central mission of the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology is to provide the highest quality academic programs in service to our majors and minors as well as to the students that take our courses as electives and to students enrolled in our many general education offerings. Beyond this, the Archaeology and Anthropology Department embraces its further obligation to conduct scholarship that serves the needs of our associated communities (both locally and abroad) within the realm of our professional expertise and the availability of our resources. 

Additionally, since much of our teaching and research is international in scope, we are dedicated to contributing to the broader university effort to internationalize curriculum, providing students with skills that will help them succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. Specifically, we strive to increase awareness, content knowledge, and empathetic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact with global systems and institutions. In addition to delivering high quality internationalized curriculum on campus, we provide UWL students with innovative and rich international programs abroad which allow them experiential opportunities for global engagement.

Archaeology and anthropology courses align with the mission of liberal studies as part of the university’s General Education Program, and our curriculum provides a strong foundation for our major in archaeological studies, our cultural anthropology emphasis, and our minors in anthropology and archaeology. Our faculty also contribute their expertise in courses that serve other programs in need of a more in-depth cross-cultural comparison of human diversity around the globe, of both past and present-day societies. Thus, our curriculum serves to advance the Eagle Advantage core competencies which reflect what national employers identify as critical to success in the workforce:

Adaptability in an ever-changing world;
Collaboration and leadership;
Effective communication;
Critical thinking;
Digital and technological literacy;
Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion;
Accountability; and
Personal and career development.

Our academic programs support student success by delivering on these competencies, and we strive to provide an educational experience that provides the foundation for students to become responsible global citizens.

The primary objective of the archaeological studies major as an academic program is to provide a sound and broad multi-disciplinary background for students seeking a liberal arts/humanities degree; to provide academic and professional preparation for students planning to enter graduate school in archaeology; to provide professional training for students planning careers in archaeology directly after graduation; and to provide elective and service courses for other majors. The cultural anthropology emphasis major is designed to provide a sound and broad multi-disciplinary background for students seeking a liberal arts/humanities degree; to provide academic and professional preparation for students planning to enter graduate school in anthropology; to provide professional training for students planning careers in anthropology directly after graduation; and to provide elective and service courses for other majors. The anthropology minor provides a strong four-field anthropological background for students in all areas of the liberal arts and sciences. Finally, the the archaeological studies minor provides a solid grounding in anthropological archaeology for students in all areas of the liberal arts and sciences. These academic programs are discussed in more detail below.

Majors

Archaeology: The archaeological studies major at UWL is among the top comprehensive undergraduate programs in archaeology in the United States and the only one in the Midwest. The uniqueness of our program lies in the fact that it is an interdisciplinary major that integrates a holistic anthropological approach, regional course offerings and a variety of study abroad experiences, a broad exposure to multiple methodological specialties, cutting edge technologies applied to archaeological research, and practical training in the applied field of cultural resource management (CRM) industry.

Most notably, we provide our undergraduate students with practical experience unmatched by other programs elsewhere for three primary reasons:

Our close relationship with the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center (MVAC), which conducts extensive research and public education activities throughout the tri-state region of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, provides students with direct exposure to applied archaeology and the kinds of careers they are likely to pursue upon graduation.
Our impressive array of intensive international experiences are designed to expose students to different world cultures as well as equip them with practical anthropological and archaeological skills.
Our focus on training students in cutting edge technologies that very few programs in the U.S. offer gives students opportunities to develop high-tech skills in field archaeology: geophysical and remote sensing equipment (ground penetrating radar, magnetometer, resistivity meter); precision laser mapping equipment; a complete photogrammetry array; 3-D scanning, photo, and video equipment; and photographic drone for aerial photography and video.

The practical application of the archaeological studies major for students is exhibited in the fact that U.S. News & World Report lists Archaeology on their Top Ten Best Jobs in Science listing for 2024.

Cultural Anthropology: The cultural anthropology emphasis major at UWL is designed for students interested in learning more about cross-cultural international issues and gaining employment in international settings and diverse settings in the US. This major program of study combines the holistic, cross-cultural, and comparative perspective of anthropology to the study of human diversity and focuses on concepts, theories, and methods students use to understand contemporary peoples and cultures based upon others’ rationales. This major program will also provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in diverse environments in the U.S., and to recognize the ways that our own beliefs and practices here in the U.S. are just as cultural as others' beliefs and practices around the world. The practical application of this emphasis for students is exhibited in the fact that U.S. News & World Report regularly lists Anthropology on their Best Jobs in Science list.

Minors

The anthropology minor provides students with a broad background in one of the most fascinating of social sciences - anthropology, the scientific study of humanity. Required curriculum in the minor exposes students to all four sub-disciplines of anthropology - cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics – and students are able to flesh out the minor with a range of elective courses that satisfy their particular interests. The anthropology minor is an excellent pairing with a number of disciplinary majors available on campus including archaeology, sociology, communications, race, gender, and sexuality studies, and disciplines in the health sciences, to name only a few.

The archaeological studies minor is designed for students who have an interest in the anthropological sub-discipline of archaeology but who are majoring in another discipline. Common majors that are served by the archaeology minor include history, geology, geography, biology, physics, and a number of others. The minor in archaeological studies provides students with a strong foundational understanding of the discipline while at the same time allowing for the selection of elective courses that particularly suite the individual student’s interests.

Careers in archaeology and anthropology

U.S. News & World Report has ranked archaeologist and anthropologist and archaeologist among the top careers on their Top 10 Best Science Jobs listing for the last several years. According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for anthropologists and archaeologists is $63,940 (at the Master's degree level), and the fields are expected to grow over the next ten years. Students can learn more about the variety of careers paths to pursue at the Department Archaeology and Anthropology's resources for students.

General education writing emphasis

This department incorporates a significant amount of writing through the required courses instead of identifying particular courses as writing emphasis courses. Students who complete a major in this department will fulfill the general education writing emphasis requirement.

The following is the department's faculty and staff as of the publication date of this catalog. This list will not be updated again until the next catalog is published in July.

Professor

Timothy McAndrews

Associate Professor

David Anderson

Vincent Her

Amy Nicodemus

Elizabeth Peacock

Teaching Professor

Constance Arzigian

Assistant Teaching Professor

Heather Walder

Administrative Support

Shirley Von Ruden

Anthropology Courses

+ANT 101 Cr.3

Human Nature/Human Culture

This course provides an overview of the four subfields of anthropology: physical anthropology, archaeology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. The course will focus on how anthropologists seek to understand what it means to be human by examining how people are biologically, culturally, and socially similar and different around the world. We will cover multiple aspects of the human experience, including human evolution and biological diversity, primates and hominids, domestication and subsistence practices, marriage systems, sex and gender norms, religious beliefs, and linguistic diversity. Offered Annually.

+ANT 102 Cr.4

Introduction to Biological Anthropology

This course introduces the basic fields of biological anthropology: population genetics, human osteology, primatology, pale anthropology, and forensics. The class provides a substantive framework for learning about the biological diversity of the human species through scientific inquiry. The foundations of evolutionary theory and the fossil evidence for human evolution are also presented. Lect. 3, Lab. 2. Offered Annually.

ANT 195 Cr.3

Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

This course examines the behavior and customs of people throughout the world. Students will gain a better understanding of the variation of human thought and behavior and how anthropologists analyze the vast range of cultural differences. We will describe the patterns of marriage, family organization, gender and sexuality, political behavior, economic systems, subsistence patterns, religion and ritual, etc. of societies all over the world. We will also examine some of the global issues that societies contend with, such as development, transnational migration, and the economic and political ramifications of colonization. Offered Annually.

ANT 196 Cr.3

Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology

This course is an introduction to linguistic anthropology. Language is central to enculturation, whether it comes in the form of speech, writing, gesture, or style. We will start with a four-field perspective, examining the origins of human communication, early writing systems, cultural differences in language socialization, and how people use language now. From there, we will focus on the role language plays in people's social lives. Topics include gesture, literacy and global media, linguistic variation, language and identity, multilingualism, and language change and loss. Offered Annually.

+ANT 202 Cr.3

Contemporary Global Issues

This course will offer a contemporary multi-disciplinary perspective regarding the major issues and trends confronting the global society as it enters the 21st century. Emphasis will be given to a critical review and assessment of the origin and present condition of the plethora of situations and problems affecting modern global society. The student will also learn to critically evaluate current and future events. The course will incorporate the views and approaches of the following disciplines: anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, and sociology. Students may only earn credit in one of the following: ANT 202, GEO 202, HIS 202, POL 202, SOC 202. Offered Annually.

ANT 215 Cr.3

Refugees, Displaced Persons and Transnational Communities

This course explores the lives of refugees, displaced persons and the emergence of transnational communities. Emphasis is placed on the causes of refugee movements; policies and practices concerning the status and rights of refugees; and asylum and resettlement in other countries. A comparative approach is used to draw attention to how people cope with displacement and transnational migration and establish new roots in the country of resettlement. Offered Occasionally.

ANT/ARC 304 Cr.3

Hunter and Gatherer Societies

This course focuses on recent human societies throughout the world that have lived by hunting and gathering wild resources. The specific subsistence strategies of a wide range of hunter-gatherer groups are examined relative to their technology, social structure, territory, demography and interaction with food producers. The conclusion of this course will consider hunter-gatherers in prehistory. (Cross-listed with ANT/ARC; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ANT/ARC 305 Cr.3

Indigenous Agricultural Societies: Past and Present

This course examines the origins, structure, social organization, and operation of indigenous agricultural societies. A central focus of the course is an inquiry based, sequential examination of geographically related couplets involving (1) contemporary indigenous agricultural tribal societies and (2) archaeological excavation reports. The utility of the ethnographic record as a guide to interpretation of the archaeological record is evaluated. (Cross-listed with ANT/ARC; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ANT 307 Cr.3

International Development and Culture Change

In an increasingly global world, what does it mean for cultures to change? What does it mean for cultures to stay the same? This course examines what "development" means to people in different cultures, and how the concept of development is itself a product of colonialism, the Cold War, and the current focus on what has been called the neoliberal global economy. The goals of the course are 1) to provide students with a comprehensive study of what economic, social, cultural, and political development has meant over time, and 2) to illustrate the benefits, limitations, and consequences of "progress" and "development" in the lives of people all over the globe. Course examples will come from topics such as conservation, sustainability, and the environment; the preservation of indigenous peoples' ways of life; tourism and its effects in a global world; gender and development; disaster response and reconstruction; and the roles of social movements, development aid, and non-governmental organizations in international development. Offered Occasionally.

ANT/HIS 312 Cr.3

Peoples and Cultures of Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union

This is a survey course that explores how people in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union have experienced the transition from socialism to postsocialism and beyond. Within the framework of cultural anthropology, we will examine the major concerns of postsocialism - including how people understand the role of the government, what is means to be a citizen, and how they view themselves as members of communities - in order to gain a better understanding of how people experience, manage, and challenge the broad changes that have occurred in the political, economic, and social systems. More importantly, we will focus on how people have redefined what they value in life, what it means to be a "good" person, and what it means to be "postsocialist" in light of these changes. (Cross-listed with ANT/HIS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ANT 320 Cr.3

Rites, Rituals and Ceremonies

This course examines the roles of rituals in family, community and national life. It introduces students to a variety of ritual traditions and symbolic practices from around the world. In the process, students will learn about the different approaches to studying, analyzing and interpreting the significance of rituals. Offered Every Third Semester.

ANT 321 Cr.3

Images, Visual Culture and Anthropology

This course engages students in the practices of looking and encourages them to read into the meanings behind images. By combining movies, still photography, advertisements and illustrated magazines with class readings, discussions and assignments, students will learn to see the complex roles images play in modern society; how non-Western people have historically been represented in popular culture; and how experiences of the visual are informed as well as complicated by social, cultural and political histories. Offered Every Third Semester.

ANT 323 Cr.3

Anthropology of Childhood and Youth

This course provides an overview of the anthropology of childhood and youth, emphasizing how these concepts both vary and are similarly-shaped cross-culturally. The texts draw upon cultural studies, ethnography, feminist anthropology, child development, and psychological anthropology. We will explore topics such as child-rearing practices, the role of peers and family, gender roles and expectations, rites of passage, youth subcultures, and youth engagement with globalization and technology. In our discussions, we will also consider how children and young people are active agents in shaping the world around them and conversely, how they are shaped by their worlds. Offered Occasionally.

ANT/ARC 325 Cr.3

North American Anthropology and Archaeology

An intensive survey of the cultures of North America north of the Rio Grande, beginning with arrival of the first people in the New World, through the early period of European contact, ending in the mid-nineteenth century. Cultural adaptation and change within each major ecological region will be considered. This course will not be considering contemporary Native American issues. (Cross-listed with ANT/ARC; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ANT/ARC 335 Cr.3

Human Skeletal Anatomy and the Anthropological Study of the Dead

This course is designed for students majoring in archaeological studies or related fields. The focus of this course is a detailed study of the human skeleton. Each student will be required to learn the anatomy of the human skeleton in detail. Also considered are methods of determining an individual's age, ethnic origins, sex, and stature from skeletal remains. The final three weeks of the course will be concerned with anthropological interpretation of the dead. Offered Occasionally.

ANT/ARC 346 Cr.3

Ethnoarchaeology and Experimental Archaeology

Archaeology isn't only about excavations: Since the 1960s, archaeologists have also examined aspects of life in the present as a way to better interpret material culture found at ancient sites. Ethnoarchaeology uses ethnographic field methods among modern peoples to develop informed hypotheses about life in the past. Experimental archaeology uses controlled scientific experiments to develop models about past behaviors including tool use, pottery production, etc. This course will cover both of these "middle-range" approaches, and will require participation in hands-on ethnoarchaeological and experimental class projects. Prerequisite: ANT 101 or ANT 195 or ANT/SOC 202 or ARC 100 or ARC 196 or ARC 200. (Cross-listed with ANT/ARC; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ANT 351 Cr.3

Peoples and Cultures of Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a region of immense diversity with a long history of cultural mixing and blending. This class is a journey across this vast landscape to learn about the stories behind its ongoing histories, the dynamic influences on its changing cultures, and the vibrant lives of its peoples. Issues that matter to the everyday life of Southeast Asians are explored in relationship to national, regional and global trends. Offered Occasionally.

ANT/ARC/HIS 353 Cr.3

Maya Civilization

The course presents an overview of the Maya culture located in southern Mexico and Central America. The class is organized chronologically into several sections that focus on the origins, adaptations to various environments, social, political, and religious organizations, and the belief systems of the Maya beginning at around 3000 BC. Emphasis will be on Pre-Hispanic Maya; will also explore life ways of contemporary Maya people. (Cross-listed with ANT/ARC/HIS, may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Summer.

ANT 354 Cr.3

Peoples and Cultures of Latin America

This survey course presents students with an anthropological perspective on contemporary peoples living in Central and South America, parts of the Caribbean, and Mexico. The course starts with a brief introduction to Latin American pre-histories, exploring how the past influences present-day societies. The course then examines particular cultural aspects of the region overall, such as patterns of subsistence, religion and ideology, social movements, politics, social organization, race and ethnicity, gender and gender relations, popular culture and the media, war and violence, and tourism and development. Discussions throughout the course will also focus on Latin Americans living abroad and how Latin American cultures are shaping, and shaped by, other cultures around the globe. Offered Occasionally.

ANT 358 Cr.3

Language Policy and Activism in Europe

Language is central to understanding culture. How language is allowed to be used, therefore, can affect the current and future cultural beliefs and practices of a community. This course focuses on Europe and examines the history, development, and contemporary role of language within different European societies. We begin by defining "language" and some widely held myths about human communication. Then we examine how minority languages are regulated and embedded within relations of power, focusing on examples from Europe. We explore issues of language and ethnic/national identity; citizenship; language policies in governmental, workplace, and educational spheres; language endangerment and revitalization; and minority language activist movements. Case examples may include Irish and Welsh in the U.K.; Basque, Corsican, and Arabic in France; Catalan and Arabic in Spain; Turkish in Germany; and Russian in Estonia and Latvia. Offered Occasionally.

+ANT/RGS 362 Cr.3

Hmong Americans

This is an introductory course to Hmong American history, culture, and contemporary life. The course reviews Hmong history within the context of U.S. foreign policy in Southeast Asia from 1945 to 1975 and examines the sociocultural transformations that have been taking place in Hmong American communities across the U.S. since 1976. (Cross-listed with ANT/RGS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ANT 366 Cr.3

Anthropology of Food

Cross-cultural practices and beliefs about the production, consumption, and distribution of food vary widely. This course examines food in a historical, social, and cultural context, focusing on the topics such as subsistence patterns and cultural patterns of food preparation and consumption; contemporary diets and the increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease; cultural practices that restrict food intake or dictate food taboos; the globalization and "McDonaldization" of food; and others. The goal of the course is to provide students with theoretical and methodological tools to analyze food as a symbolic, political, and cultural artifact in today's world. Offered Annually.

ANT 370 Cr.3

Medical Anthropology

Understandings of "health" and "illness" vary widely around the world. This course examines how an individual's interactions with the cultural and physical environment influence the experiences of health and illness. The class begins with an overview of the development of medical anthropology as a subfield, with attention to its relationship with other disciplinary approaches to questions of health, medicine, and disease. Course concepts are illustrated using international examples of health and illness, such as shamanism and shamanic healing; complementary and alternative medicine in the US; hospital birth versus midwifery; and the link between the individual and society in the healing process. The second part of the course focuses on biocultural perspectives on health, including the effects of prehistoric and historic life-ways and disease epidemics on the body. The third part of the class examines the politics of health, paying particular attention to the effects of race, ethnicity, gender, and class on health status and treatment. The final section of the course delves into the application of medical anthropology in the field of international development. Offered Occasionally.

+ANT 375 Cr.3

Language, Power, and Inequality

This course will examine how our ideas about language intersect with differences in power and social inequality in the United States. These ideas include how we think people "should" speak, who speaks the "best," and which language varieties are valued. Focusing on the role of institutions and their effects on minority language speakers, we will explore issues such as language subordination, stereotypes of US regional dialects and accents, "mixed" languages, "mock" languages, political correctness, and multilingualism. This class will also examine how our ideas about language are used to construct and reflect social boundaries, which can affect people's social and political opportunities. Offered Occasionally.

ANT/ARC 395 Cr.1

Graduate Preparation Seminar

Third year students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in anthropology or archaeology have many things to consider. This seminar is designed to help students determine what research they intend to pursue after graduation, what graduate schools are particularly well suited to meet their research needs, how to target and apply to certain programs, and how to develop an impressive resume. This seminar will also serve to prepare students who do not intend to continue their education in graduate school for employment opportunities upon graduation. Prerequisite: archaeology major; archaeology major: cultural anthropology emphasis; junior standing. (Cross-listed with ANT/ARC; may only earn credit in one department.) Pass/Fail grading. Offered Fall.

ANT 399 Cr.3

Anthropology Forum

Investigation of areas and topics of current anthropological interest not covered in the regular curriculum ranging from local to transnational issues. Repeatable for credit - maximum 12. Offered Occasionally.

ANT 401 Cr.4

Ethnographic Methods

Ethnography is a central method in anthropology. This course provides students with the basics of ethnographic research through hands-on group activities with local community partners. Students read a variety of texts that describe and apply various approaches towards ethnographic research. Using a combination of lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities, the course covers all phases of ethnographic research as students gain skills in a variety of methods in preparation for their capstone thesis projects. Activities include human subjects training; developing research questions; participant observations, surveys, and interviewing; using qualitative data analysis software for processing and analyzing data; and presenting research findings to diverse audiences. In addition, this course includes examining how ethnographic skills can be useful for future career plans. The goal of this course is to teach students skills that can be applied to a variety of careers, as well as to future ethnographic research projects. Lect. 3, Lab 2. Prerequisite: ANT 101 or ANT 195 or ANT 202. Offered Fall.

ANT 409 Cr.1-3

Readings and Research in Anthropology

Directed readings or research under the supervision of an instructor. Repeatable for credit - maximum six. Prerequisite: junior standing. Consent of instructor. Offered Annually.

ANT 450 Cr.1-15

Internship in Anthropology

This course is an academically relevant field experience for majors and minors in anthropology. The field experience will be supervised by the anthropology staff. No more than six credits may be applied to the cultural anthropology emphasis and no more than three credits to the anthropology minor. Repeatable for credit - maximum 15. Prerequisite: junior standing with at least a 2.50 GPA. Consent of department. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Annually.

ANT 454 Cr.3

Historical and Theoretical Approaches in Anthropology

This course examines the history of anthropological thought since the beginning of the discipline. The course will specifically look at theories and theorists in anthropology using a historical perspective, demonstrating the ways that social events and cultural forces have helped shape theoretical and methodological paradigm shifts throughout the history of the discipline. Students will also be required to analyze ethnographies as cultural artifacts by examining the strategies anthropologists use to represent cultures and their role in fieldwork. Prerequisite: ANT 101 or ANT 202. Offered Spring.

ANT/ARC 479 Cr.1-2

Archaeology/Anthropology Laboratory Assistant

An opportunity to assist in the preparation and instruction of an archaeology/anthropology laboratory. Students will be expected to assist in preparation of course materials, demonstrate proper techniques, and evaluate student performance. Repeatable for credit - maximum four. Not applicable to the archaeology major or anthropology minor. (Cross-listed with ANT/ARC, may only earn credit in one department.) Consent of instructor. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Annually.

ANT 495 Cr.3

Senior Thesis in Cultural Anthropology

This course is the last course in the archaeological studies major with an emphasis in cultural anthropology course sequence and is normally taken during the student's final year. The course is designed to assist students in fulfilling the graduation requirement of completing a senior thesis in their archaeological studies major: cultural anthropology emphasis. Prerequisite: ANT 195; senior standing. Consent of instructor. Offered Spring.

ANT 496 Cr.3

Honors Thesis in Cultural Anthropology

This is the capstone course for archaeological studies majors with an emphasis in cultural anthropology enrolled in the Cultural Anthropology Honors Program. Honors students take this course in lieu of ANT 495, typically during their final year. The course is designed to assist the student in completing a baccalaureate thesis that will be presented in hard copy as well as verbally at the Annual Spring Research Colloquium for students completing their archaeological studies major: cultural anthropology emphasis. Prerequisite: ANT 195; senior standing. Consent of instructor. Offered Spring.

ANT 499 Cr.2-3

Seminar in Anthropology

Intensive study of some specific area or problem of anthropology. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: maximum 12 credits may be earned between ARC 498 and ANT 499. Consent of instructor. Offered Occasionally.

Archaeology Courses

+ARC 100 Cr.3

Archaeology: Discovering Our Past

This course is an introduction to the fascinating world of archaeology designed as a detailed exploration of the methods used to learn about past human life before written records. Each student will be involved in the process of discovering our past. Offered Annually.

ARC 101 Cr.1

Orientation to the Archaeological Studies Major

This one credit seminar provides students with an orientation to the archaeological studies major and the cultural anthropology emphasis. It is designed for second semester freshmen and sophomore level students. It is also appropriate for transfer students at any level. This course provides information regarding the successful completion of the archaeological studies major and/or cultural anthropology emphasis. In addition, students will be engaged in various tasks designed to identify and/or clarify career goals, increase understanding of archaeology and anthropology as applied fields, and familiarize themselves with tools for conducting research. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Occasionally.

ARC 196 Cr.1

Archaeology: An Introduction to Lab and Field Methods

This course is a laboratory and field learning component to the course ARC 100. The course provides important hands-on learning opportunities for archaeology majors to further introduce and reinforce topics introduced in ARC 100. Lab sessions provide foundational knowledge in the processing and analysis of archaeological finds and field records. Field excavation sessions provide students basic training in the methods and techniques for the recovery and interpretation of archaeological evidence from archaeological sites. Prerequisite: archaeology majors take concurrently with ARC 100. Offered Fall.

+ARC 200 Cr.3

World Archaeology: Origins and Development of Human Culture and Society

The complex global institutions that make up our modern world have antecedents going back thousands of years. This survey course explores the origins of these cultural institutions and their development in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the New World from an archaeological perspective. This course also examines the intimate interconnections between human culture, technology, and the natural environment, and it explores the long-term impact of human behavior on the environment over the last several thousand years. Specific themes explored include the biological origin of our species, the first use of tools and the development of artistic expression, human response to climate change, the origins and development of agriculture and animal domestication, the advent of writing, history and science, the rise of urbanism and state level society, and the lasting cultural impacts of early global interactions among the great civilizations of the ancient world. Offered Fall, Spring.

ARC 250 Cr.3

Museum Studies

This introductory course provides a history of museums, their goals and methods, administration, curation and exhibit techniques. Participants will be taking field trips to museums. Offered Occasionally.

ARC 280 Cr.3

The Incas and their Ancestors: Archaeology of the Andes

This course reviews the prehistory and early historic periods of the Andean regions of South America. Emphasis will be placed on tracing the rise of civilization in the Andes which culminated in the Inca Empire and the extraordinary events that led to the conquest of the Inca by the Spanish conquistadors. Topics to be explored include the controversial evidence of early man in South America, the role of the ocean and mountains in shaping pre-hispanic life, the origin of domesticated plants and animals, and the rise of the complex societies of Moche, Tiwanaku, Wari, Chimu, and of course, the Inca. Offered Occasionally.

ARC/HIS 295 Cr.3

Pyramids, Temples and Towns! The Archaeology of Ancient Egypt

This course is a survey of the archaeology of Ancient Egyptian civilization from an anthropological perspective and examines the Neolithic through Roman periods, ca. 5000 BC - AD 285. In this course, we will investigate the rise and development of Egyptian culture by examining selected archaeological sites and the material remains left behind by the ancient Egyptians. Using these materials, we will address specific topics of Ancient Egyptian civilization including the formation of the centralized state, sacred vs secular space, royal and private mortuary practices, urbanism, religion, roles of women in society, everyday life, history of Egyptian archaeology, recent discoveries, and future directions in the archaeology of Egypt. (Cross-listed with ARC/HIS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Every Third Semester.

ARC 300 Cr.3

Cultural Resources Management

Since the 1980's American archaeology has shifted from a strictly academic profession to a more practical occupation in which consulting and the implementation of legislation and public policy are major components. In fact, today Cultural Resource Management (CRM) is the dominant force in archaeology in the United States. The primary goals of this class are to provide students with an appreciation of the importance of CRM and an understanding of the legislation that drives it, as well as exposure to the everyday practices of archaeologists working in a CRM context. Prerequisite: ARC 196 recommended. Offered Occasionally.

ARC/HIS 302 Cr.3

Egyptian Hieroglyphs: The Language and Culture of Ancient Egypt

Ever wonder what all those birds, snakes and other symbols on Ancient Egyptian monuments mean? In this course you will find out! This course is an introduction to the language and culture of Ancient Egypt. We will learn to read the hieroglyphic script used by the Egyptians to record aspects of their culture and daily lives for over 3,000 years. While learning the basics of Middle Egyptian grammar, the classical form of the language, we will explore aspects of Egyptian culture through their own words. Through translating sentences and basic texts, we will experience first-hand the classical form of the language used for writing everything from business receipts and letters, to historical documents and literary works, to esoteric theological texts which record details of their belief system. Topics to be covered are the origins of writing in Egypt, historical development of the language, daily religion, beliefs in the afterlife, the family, social structure, literature and the role of writing in Egyptian culture. From students of archaeology or linguistics, history or modern languages, or anyone who has ever seen an artifact from Ancient Egypt and wanted to know what the hieroglyphs say, this class has something for everyone! No prior knowledge of ancient Egypt or Egyptian language is needed or required, only a desire to gain insight into the thoughts of people who lived thousands of years ago. Offered Occasionally.

ARC 303 Cr.3

Archaeology Lab Methods

Taking a hands-on approach to analyzing and interpreting archaeological remains, the class will integrate lectures with demonstrations, experiments, and supervised laboratory projects. Study will focus on the potential for interpreting human life ways and adaptations to the environment from stone tools, ceramics, floral, and faunal remains. Prerequisite: ARC 100 or ARC 196 or ANT 101. Offered Occasionally.

ARC/ANT 304 Cr.3

Hunter and Gatherer Societies

ARC/ANT 305 Cr.3

Indigenous Agricultural Societies: Past and Present

ARC 311 Cr.3

European Prehistory

This course introduces students to the rich archaeological heritage of Europe from its initial colonization by our hominid ancestors to the end of the Iron Age. Topics to be explored include the evolution and dispersal of early hominids and modern humans, hunter-gatherer societies, the adoption of agriculture, the development of social complexity, and the rise of Europe's first civilizations. Offered Occasionally.

ARC 320 Cr.3

Historical Archaeology

The focus of this course is historical archaeology. This discipline combines an archaeological evaluation of material remains from the historic past with an examination and analysis of historical sources. In the New World, historical archaeologists work on a broad range of sites that document early European settlement and its effects on Native American peoples, wars fought on American soil, the subsequent spread of the Euro-American frontier, and later periods of urbanization and industrialization. Historical archaeologists seek to understand the past from an anthropological perspective and appreciate how broad historical developments have shaped modern society. In this class, we will explore all these aspects of historical archaeology in the New World and abroad. Prerequisite: ARC 196. Offered Occasionally.

ARC/ANT 325 Cr.3

North American Anthropology and Archaeology

ARC/HIS 331 Cr.3

The Ancient Greek World

A historical and archaeological survey of the ancient Greek world (Greece proper, the Aegean Islands, southern Italy, western Turkey). Periods discussed will include Cretan (Minoan), Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Early Greek Christian. (Cross-listed with ARC/HIS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ARC/HIS 332 Cr.3

Ancient Rome and the Mediterranean

A historical and archaeological survey of the ancient Mediterranean area (with emphasis on the Italian peninsula) from the founding of the city of Rome to the collapse of the western Roman Empire in the fifth century ACE. Periods discussed will include: Italy in the Neolithic period, the founding of Rome, Etruscan Domination, the Roman Republic, the Roman Principate/Empire, and the advent of Roman Christianity. (Cross-listed with ARC/HIS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ARC/ANT 335 Cr.3

Human Skeletal Anatomy and the Anthropological Study of the Dead

ARC/HIS 340 Cr.3

Origins of Cities

This course examines the origins and development of urban life. Students will first explore, from an anthropological perspective, the character of modern cities. Students will next examine the earliest cities in the Old and New Worlds, and comparatively explore the varied ecological, social, political, and demographic processes associated with urbanization in various ancient civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley, China, Andes, and Mesoamerica). While the focus of this course is on archaeological cities, it draws heavily on ethnographic and sociological studies of urban forms. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a comparative understanding and appreciation of urban life and its long history. (Cross-listed with ARC/HIS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ARC 345 Cr.3

Zooarchaeology

This course is an introduction to the subdiscipline of zooarchaeology. It is a hands-on, experiential learning class in which students will develop skills to analyze animal bones from archaeological contexts, including species and element identification, quantification methods, mortality profile construction, and pathology assessment. Students will apply these techniques to address broader archaeological issues, such as hunting and herding strategies, origins of animal domestication, seasonality assessment, environmental reconstruction, and social/ritual use of animals and their products. Offered Occasionally.

ARC/ANT 346 Cr.3

Ethnoarchaeology and Experimental Archaeology

ARC 350 Cr.1-6

Independent International Research in Archaeology

An individually designed, directed archaeological research project in an international setting dealing with a significant field, laboratory, museum or archival/library research problem. The course permits in-depth, independent research using international sources, facilities, and resource persons. Requires a high degree of motivation and the ability to work independently. Repeatable for credit - maximum six. Only three credits may apply to the major. Prerequisite: junior standing. Consent of department. Offered Occasionally.

ARC/ANT/HIS 353 Cr.3

Maya Civilization

ARC/HIS 365 Cr.3

Ancient Iraq

A historical and archaeological survey of ancient Iraq (Syro-Mesopotamia) from its prehistoric origins in the neolithic period to the Seleucid period. Ethnic groups discussed will include the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Kassites, Amorites, Chaldeans, and Elamites. Topics will include the rise of urbanism, cuneiform writing, religion, literature, displaced persons, gender relations, and social structure. (Cross-listed with ARC/HIS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ARC/HIS 366 Cr.3

Ancient Israel

A historical and archaeological survey of coastal Syria and Palestine from the neolithic period to the Roman conquest. Various ethnic groups discussed will include the Eblaites, Phoenicians, Philistines, Canaanites, Arameans, Israelites, Samaritans, and Judeans. Special emphasis will be placed on putting biblical history in its Palestinian context. Topics will include social structure, gender relations, religion, and literature. (Cross-listed with ARC/HIS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ARC/HIS 368 Cr.3

History of Babylonian Language and Culture I

This course is a survey of Babylonian history, culture, and language. Babylonian, was the most extensive of the cuneiform languages of the ancient Near East, was the language of the ancient Assyrians and Babylonians and was used for over two millennia. Students will study aspects of the history and culture of ancient Babylonia, as well as learn the fundamentals of Babylonian grammar and syntax, and the cuneiform writing system. (Cross-listed with ARC/HIS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ARC/HIS 369 Cr.3

History of Babylonian Language and Culture II

This course is a second semester survey of Babylonian history, culture, and language. Babylonian, the most extensive of the cuneiform languages of the ancient Near East, was the language of the ancient Assyrians and Babylonians and was used for over two millennia. Whereas the student studies grammatical forms and is introduced to the cuneiform writing system in the first semester, the student in the second semester will work with documents. Students will study aspects of the history and culture of ancient Babylonia in later periods, as well as read legal, economic, and literary texts in the original language. Prerequisite: HIS 368 or ARC 368. (Cross-listed with ARC/HIS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ARC/HIS 372 Cr.3

History of Women in the Ancient World

A history of the nature and status of women in the ancient world as derived from textual sources, including works of literature, private letters, economic documents, and tomb inscriptions. Areas studies will be Syro-Mesopotamia, Israel, Iran, Anatolia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world. Also discussed will be the study of women as derived from archaeological sources. (Cross-listed with ARC/HIS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ARC/HIS 374 Cr.3

Ancient Turkey

An historical and archaeological survey of ancient Anatolia (the geographic name of Turkey) and surrounding regions (e.g., Syria and the Caucaucus) from its prehistoric origins in the Neolithic period, the rise of urbanism, Assyrian mercantilism, Pre-Hattic cultures, the Hittite kingdoms, the Neo-Hittite states, Urartu, Phrygia, Lydia, Cimmerians, Medes, Persians, and various states in the Graeco-Roman period to the advent of Anatolian Christianity. Topics will include cuneiform writing, religion, literature, law, gender relations, and social structure. (Cross-listed with ARC/HIS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ARC/HIS 375 Cr.3

Iran before Islam

An historical and archaeological survey of ancient Iran and surrounding regions from prehistoric origins to the advent of Islam in the 7th century AD. Among the topics discussed will be: the rise of urbanism and writing at Proto-Elamite Susa, Elamite civilization in southwestern Iran, Medes, Scythians, and Persians in the Iron Age, the Persian Empire, as well as the Seleucid, Parthian, and Sassanian kingdoms of later antiquity. Emphasis will be on the study of primary sources in translation (Sumerian, Akkadian, Elamite, Old Persian, Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, amongst others). Topics will include cuneiform writing in Iran, religion, literature, gender relations, classical traditions about Iran, and social structure. (Cross-listed with ARC/HIS, may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ARC/ANT 395 Cr.1

Graduate Preparation Seminar

ARC/HIS 396 Cr.3

Ancient Syria

A historical and archaeological survey of ancient Syria and surrounding regions from prehistoric origins to the advent of the Roman conquest in the first century BC. Among the topics discussed will be the rise of urbanism and writing along the Euphrates River, religion, gender, social structure, and literature. Moreover, the student will study in translation the vast cuneiform archives from Ebla, Mari, Alalakh, Qattara, Nuzi, Emar, and Ugarit, to name a few. Furthermore, biblical, classical, and medieval sources concerning Syria in the first millennium BC will be studied. (Cross-listed with ARC/HIS; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Occasionally.

ARC 399 Cr.3

Archaeology Forum

Investigation of areas and topics of current archaeological interest not covered in the regular curriculum. Repeatable for credit - maximum 12. Offered Occasionally.

ARC 402 Cr.6

Field Methods in Archaeology

Practical application of the basic skills used in the excavation of archaeological sites, including surveying techniques, methods of excavation, compilation of field data, and laboratory analysis. Prerequisite: ARC 196. Consent of instructor. Offered Summer.

ARC 404 Cr.3

Environmental Archaeology

This course investigates the relationship between prehistoric human societies and their biotic communities. An array of techniques using plant and animal remains from archaeological contexts to reconstruct aspects of ancient environments, climates, and human subsistence patterns are examined. Applications of environmental data toward the understanding of human settlement and subsistence systems are discussed. Offered Occasionally.

ARC 409/509 Cr.1-3

Readings and Research in Archaeology

Directed readings or research under the supervision of an instructor. Repeatable for credit - maximum 12. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students will have additional course requirements/expectations. Prerequisite: ARC 200; junior standing. Consent of instructor. Offered Annually.

ARC 415 Cr.3

Advanced Research Applications in Archaeology

This course will provide advanced training in archaeological data collection and analysis, with focus on designing theoretically-rich analyses that can be applied to answering specific research questions. To this end, each semester will focus intensively on a single category of advanced analysis, such as lithic or ceramic materials analysis. Prerequisite: ARC 196 and ARC 303. Offered Occasionally.

ARC 445 Cr.3

Research Methods in Archaeology

This course is an introduction to a broad spectrum of research strategies available to archaeologists with a focus on quantitative methods. It is not a course in statistics. Rather, the course is intended to help students learn to be comfortable working with qualitative and quantitative data, and to be a sampler of commonly used quantitative methods in archaeology. Prerequisite: ARC 196. Offered Fall.

ARC 450 Cr.1-15

Internship in Archaeology

An academically relevant field experience for archaeology students. The experience will involve direct participation in excavation, laboratory analysis, or other aspects of archaeological science including museum work, supervised by an archaeologist or professional of a related discipline. Repeatable for credit - maximum 15. Only three credits can apply to the major. Prerequisite: junior standing; minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA. Consent of department. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Annually.

ARC 455 Cr.3

Historical and Theoretical Perspectives in Archaeology

This course reviews the practice of archaeology from its antiquarian beginnings through modern times. The goal of the course is to explore, from a historical perspective, the theoretical approaches that have been used by archaeologists to explain past human behavior. By exploring the development of archaeological thought through time, students will gain a deeper understanding of current theoretical approaches in archaeology. Prerequisite: ARC 196; junior standing. Offered Fall.

ARC/ANT 479 Cr.1-2

Archaeology/Anthropology Laboratory Assistant

ARC 489 Cr.3

Honors Thesis in Archaeology

This is the capstone course for archaeological studies majors enrolled in the Archaeology Honors Program. Honors students take this course in lieu of ARC 499, typically during their final year. The course is designed to assist the student in completing a Baccalaureate thesis that will be presented in hard copy as well as verbally at the Annual Archaeological Studies Spring Research Colloquium. Prerequisite: ARC 196; ARC 200; senior standing. Consent of instructor. Offered Spring.

ARC 498/598 Cr.1-3

Seminar in Archaeology

Intensive study of a specific area or problem of archaeology. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students will have additional course requirements/expectations. Repeatable for credit - maximum 12 between ARC 498/598 and ANT 499. Departmental option for pass/fail grading. Prerequisite: junior standing. Maximum 12 credits may be earned between ARC 498 and ANT 499. Offered Occasionally.

ARC 499 Cr.3

Senior Project/Thesis in Archaeology

This course is the last course in the archaeological studies major course sequence and is normally taken during the student's final year. The course is designed to assist the student in completing the graduation requirement of the senior project/thesis. Prerequisite: ARC 196; senior standing. Consent of instructor. Offered Spring.