H18A — Introduction to Archaeology
Course Outline
A general introduction to the history, goals, principles, and practice of archaeology. An essential preparation for all other archaeology courses taught in the Department. The main topics to be covered in the lectures are as follows.
- Introduction: nature and scope of archaeology
- Origins and development of the subject
- Different materials recovered and the importance of context
- The location and excavation of archaeological sites
- Archaeological stratigraphy: recording and classification of the finds
- Dating methods, particularly those involving the natural sciences
- Reconstructing past societies and environments
- Recent trends in the subject
- Archaeology in the Jamaican context
- Recapitulation
Evaluation
In addition to the lectures, students will be required to attend tutorials, to present a paper or papers to the class and write up the results, and take an in-course test. Coursework accounts for 40% and the final examination for 60% of the marks.
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