This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of archaeology, one of the most important disciplines in the study of history. Archaeological principles will be discussed and demonstrated in case studies of some of the world’s most famous ancient sites. Students will put their learning to work by writing a paper on an archaeological site of their choosing.
Total classes: 13
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade, but this class might be challenging for students who struggle with reading. The textbook is somewhat technical and introduces a lot of terminology very specific to the discipline. Decent aptitude for reading is highly recommended.
Suggested credit: 1 full semester credit of Archaeology or World History
Description
This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of archaeology, one of the most important disciplines in the study of history. Archaeological principles will be discussed and demonstrated in case studies of some of the world’s most famous ancient sites. Students will put their learning to work by writing a paper on an archaeological site of their choosing.
Outline
Class 1: Foundational Principles
Class 2: Earth Movers
Class 3: The World of Pottery
Class 4: Dolmen and Megaliths
Class 5: Cut Stone Masonry
Class 6: Ancient Burials
Class 7: Epigraphy
Class 8: Jewelry and Metalwork
Class 9: Ancient Weaponry
Class 10: The Tells of Canaan
Class 11: Catal Huyuk
Class 12: Mohenjo Daro
Class 13: A Visit to Crete
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: Archaeology Essentials: Theories, Methods, and Practice (1st or 2nd edition) by Colin Renfew; online resources also provided free by instructor. Please note: This class is being taught in two tracks, one for upper classmen and one for lower classmen. The textbook will only be required for 11th-12th graders, who will have different assignments than 9th-10th grade. If your student is in 9th-10th grade, you do not need to purchase the textbook. If you believe your 9th-10th grader has above-average reading skills, feel free to have them use the textbook, but it is not mandatory. Again, the textbook is only required for 11th-12th graders.
Homework: Weekly readings from the textbook, quizzes, and a paper assignment. Estimated 2-3 hours weekly. Textbook readings should be completed prior to each lecture.
