Adventures in Archaeology

This program will introduce students to the science, methods, and theories of archaeology, both globally and locally. For the global component, we will examine the material remains of past civilizations, including architecture, artifacts, mortuary remains, and written sources. Our investigation takes us, virtually, to every corner of the globe and to many different periods in history, from the Mediterranean to Easter Island, and from the Neolithic Middle East to the indigenous Pacific Northwest. Primarily, we explore how the remains of past civilizations provide archaeologists and historians with clues that unlock the secrets of ancient societies. Students will gain a broad understanding of global prehistory and history, the rise and fall of civilizations, and human impact on the environment throughout history. This course will also consider the history of the discipline and the ethics of archaeological inquiry.

If public health conditions allow, the local component of this offering includes work with local archaeologists, archaeological sites, and museums: multiple field trips, including a behind-the-scenes trip to the Burke Museum and the Squaxin Museum, will explore the region's archaeological treasures. Students will meet archaeologists who work for universities, museums, state agencies, and independently, and will be introduced to the variety of careers archaeologists occupy. A research presentation tailored to students' specific interests will be the capstone of this program.

This program assumes no prior knowledge of archaeology, and will be of interest to any student wishing to learn more about the ancient world, history, or who is interested in pursuing archaeological fieldwork in the future. Variable credit options for this offering are possible, and should be discussed with the instructor.