ENST 331 - Topics in Archaeological Theory and Method

Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
1 unit(s)

The theoretical underpinnings of anthropological archaeology and the use of theory in studying particular bodies of data. The focus ranges from examination of published data covering topics such as architecture and society, the origin of complex society, the relationship between technology and ecology to more laboratory-oriented examination of such topics as archaeometry, archaeozoology, or lithic technology.

May be repeated for credit if the topic has changed.

Topic for 2016/17a: Disaster Archaeology. (Same as ANTH 331 ) When did humans first experience disaster? Since their earliest manifestations, towns and cities have suffered dramatic disasters such as super storms, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes - which often led to their abandonment. Slower disasters, such as droughts and plagues, caused groups to reorganize in response to loss of resources, including their most vulnerable community members. Natural processes become cultural disasters when people get caught in them, and have to make decisions about risks to lives, livelihoods, and property. Newer forms of cultural disasters include nuclear events, sunken ships, and crashed planes, but these too can be studied through archaeology. Disasters have their own histories as they are often the result of processes set in motion long before there is a clear toll. Despite their cause, disasters often leave us wondering why the event happened and how we can better prepare against future threats. Archaeological methods allow us to learn from what remains, to piece together the events that led up to a disaster, the events that unfolded during it, and the decisions that were made after it. This course surveys the archaeological record of environmental and cultural threats, including El Niños, volcanic eruptions, and the release of nuclear radiation. April Beisaw.

Prerequisites: previous coursework in Anthropology or permission of the instructor.

One 3-hour period.

Topic for 2016/17b: Technology and Ecology. (Same as ENST 331 and STS 331 ) Examines the interactions between human beings and their environment as mediated by technology, focusing on the period from the earliest evidence of toolmaking approximately up to the Industrial Revolution. Student research projects often bring the course up to the present. Includes experimentation with ancient technologies and field trips to local markets and craft workshops. Lucy Johnson.

Prerequisites: previous coursework in Anthropology or Environmental Studies, or permission of the instructor.

May be repeated for credit if the topic has changed.

One 2-hour period plus one 4-hour lab.