Official Course
Description: MCCCD Approval: 2-26-1991 |
||
ASB231
1991 Summer I – 1991 Summer
II |
L+L
4.0 Credit(s) 8.0 Period(s) 6.8 Load Acad |
|
Introduction
to Archaeological Field Methods |
||
Excavation of an archaeological site; recording and
interpreting data collected during the field experience. Overview of the
cultures concerned; contemporary issues in archaeology. Prerequisites: None. |
||
Go to Competencies Go to Outline
MCCCD
Official Course Competencies: |
|
|
|
ASB231 1991
Summer I – 1991 Summer II |
Introduction to Archaeological Field Methods |
1.
|
Describe the fundamental tools and techniques used in
archaeological excavation. (I) |
2.
|
List on-site safety measures. (I) |
3.
|
Discuss and compare the types of dating methods available
for the site involved. (I) |
4.
|
Describe the culture investigated, based on the excavation
and on previously published information (I) |
5.
|
Compare the culture excavated to another culture, either
related or of the same time period. (I) |
6.
|
Identify issues affecting burial excavation. (II) |
7.
|
Explain the
legal basis for the rights of indigenous peoples in reference to
archeological sites, antiquity laws, and their effect on the use of public
lands. (II) |
8.
|
Identify repository and storing procedures of artifacts.
(II) |
9.
|
List basic archaeological responsibilities involved with
excavations. (II) |
10.
|
Describe and identify datum point and provenience. (III) |
11.
|
Analyze factors that influence deposition. (III) |
12.
|
Prepare sample recoveries using a variety of techniques.
(III) |
13.
|
Describe factors which determine artifact recovery. (III) |
14.
|
Identify such items as faunal remains, ceramics, lithics, organic materials, and shell artifacts. (III) |
15.
|
Identify basic excavation features such as living floors,
fire pits, structural walls, post holes, entries, roofing materials. (III) |
16.
|
Prepare daily logs, specimen sheets, and other specialized
forms. (III) |
17.
|
Draw, profile, and/or photograph features. (III) |
18.
|
Prepare a final site report, documenting all work
completed. (IV) |
Go to Description Go to top of
Competencies
MCCCD
Official Course Outline: |
|
|
|
ASB231 1991
Summer I – 1991 Summer II |
Introduction to Archaeological Field Methods |
I. Introduction A. Fundamentals of
archaeology 1. Field
techniques/laboratory a. Notetaking
b. Establishing excavation
units c. Basic methodology 1. Tools 2. Provenience control 3. Decision-making
strategies d. Dating Methods 2. Safety B. Introduction to the
culture to be excavated 1. Typical structures built
2. Physical characteristics
of the people 3. Types and
characteristics of artifacts 4. Environmental
constraints 5. Related or descended
cultures. II. Contemporary Issues in
Archaeology A. Rights of indigenous
peoples B. Antiquity laws C. Use of public lands D. Archaeological
responsibilities 1. Research Planning 2. Site reports 3. Storing/repository III. Field Experience A. Provenience 1. Relative to datum point 2. Relative to recovered
material B. Deposition analysis C. Sample recovery 1. Pollen (flotation) 2. Charcoal 3. Soil 4. Screening 5. Determinants D. Excavation factors 1. Faunal analysis 2. Charcoal 3. Features 4. Perishables 5. Burials E. Recordkeeping 1. Daily logs 2. Specimen sheets 3. Specialized forms a. Profiles b. Drawings c. Photography IV. Project Report A. Summary of work B. Interpretation of data C. Synthesis D. Storing artifacts |