ANTHR 6250 - Archaeological Research Design

(crosslisted) ARKEO 6250

Spring. 4 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: at least two courses in archaeology. Co-meets with ANTHR 4250/ARKEO 4250.

A. T. Smith.

This studio-style seminar provides an in-depth examination of the principles and practices of archaeological research design. We will examine all aspects of the research process, from concept formation, to methodology, to ethical practice and data management. Over the course of the semester, students will undertake a series of projects that will build incrementally into a research proposal. We will focus on developing the skills vital to designing archaeological research, starting with the formulation of a question and continuing through the exploratory process of defining proper sites, assemblages, analytical techniques, and presentation of findings. Class sessions will focus on designing research projects examining case studies drawn from world archaeology and student research projects.