Archaeology is an inherently interdisciplinary field of study dedicated to the understanding and explanation of past societies through the analysis of their material remains. The reconstruction of these societies through the interpretation of material culture – drawing on analytical approaches and theoretical frameworks that span the humanities and the sciences – permits archaeology to span both the prehistoric and the historic periods. Archaeology Program faculty specialize in different regions of the world, with research projects in East Asia, India, the Middle East and Mediterranean, and North America, and emeritus faculty have ongoing projects in Europe. We also maintain strong connections to the sciences: many of our courses are hands-on, involving lab or experimental components, or the opportunity to engage directly with objects and artifacts, to ensure that students develop skills to carry out original research.
Archaeology majors and minors can pursue either the standard major, or pursue the archaeological science track in which they specialize in an analytical method, such archaeological residue analysis, environmental archaeology, zooarchaeology, ceramic materials analysis, 3D modeling, or GIS/spatial analysis.
To apply to become a major in archaeology, a student must have taken or be currently enrolled in a Gateway course and earn a grade of B or better. Students intending to pursue the archaeological science track in the major must identify which scientific method(s) they intend to study and apply to their capstone research. Following electronic application, admission will be determined by a meeting of the ARCP faculty.
Gateway Courses
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
ARCP201 | Art and Archaeology of the Bronze Age Mediterranean | 1 |
ARCP203 | The Secrets of Ancient Bones: Discovering Ancient DNA and Archaeology | 1 |
ARCP204 | Introduction to Archaeology | 1 |
ARCP214 | Survey of Greek Archaeology and Art | 1 |
ARCP223 | Survey of Roman Archaeology and Art | 1 |
ARCP260 | Art and Archaeology of Ancient India | 1 |