ARC 277 - Archaeological Excavation II

3 Credits, 9 Contact Hours
0 lecture periods 9 lab periods
Advanced techniques and principles of archaeological excavation. Includes advanced field mapping, excavation, recording, field crew supervision, and data synthesis, with field experience in Southern Arizona. Also includes culture history, archaeological ethics, and issues of cultural resource management. Uses museum collections, equipment, resources and facilities of the Archaeology Centre.

Prerequisite(s): ARC 275.
Recommendation: Completion of (or concurrent enrollment in): AIS 205/ANT 205/ARC 205 and ARC 265/GIS 265. If any recommended course is taken, see a financial aid or Veteran’s Affairs advisor to determine funding eligibility as appropriate.

Course Learning Outcomes

Explain field preparation and field management procedures.
Use advanced archaeological field equipment and techniques.
Describe the opportunities and challenges of cultural resource management.
Synthesize field data.

Outline:

Archaeological Excavation
1. Advanced excavation topics
2. Safety concerns
Cultural History of Southern Arizona
1. Tucson Basin Prehistory
2. Site visits
Ethics in Archaeology
1. Principles of archaeological ethics
2. Indigenous perspectives
Cultural Resource Management
1. Major laws
2. Opportunities and challenges
Excavation Methods
1. Field preparation and logistics
2. Advanced field mapping equipment and procedures
3. Advanced excavation equipment and procedures
4. Field crew supervision
5. Data synthesis and reporting
Excavation of Tucson Basin Archaeological Site