Time Past: Earth Processes and Human History

Our understanding of the ancient past is based on physical evidence that has survived the destruction of time. Archaeologists and geologists strive to reconstruct the past with an incomplete record of artifacts and evidence from the rock record. Theories are developed, refined, or discarded as new evidence comes to light or analytical tools enable new information to be gleaned. Reinterpretation is an ongoing process and paradigm shifts are common.

This program will introduce students to the fundamentals and current theories of archaeology and geology, focusing on the deductive process that these disciplines employ and the interpretation of the evidence of past events. Geologic processes, particularly catastrophic events, have allowed the preservation of artifacts from past cultures, and past cultures have, in some cases, had a profound impact on the earth. Time will be a critical dimension in this program: hundreds, thousands, millions, and even billions of years ago.

During Winter quarter, students will learn the methods and practices of archaeology, focusing on the history of the Pacific Northwest region. Data collection and analysis using quantitative methods will be integrated with the theory; Excel and GIS will be used for analyzing and displaying numeric and spatial data. Students will also learn the fundamentals of physical geology.  Seminar readings will focus on topics relevant to the program, and regular assessment of learning will take place through quizzes and seminar papers. Field trips will provide opportunities to observe geologic features and artifacts, including a multi-day field trip around the Olympic Peninsula, day-trips to the Burke Museum in Seattle, the Squaxin Museum, and other sites.

During Spring quarter, natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanism, landslides) will be examined in relation to archaeological sites.  Data analysis, both numerical and spatial, will continue.  Students will have the opportunity to attend a week-long Grand Canyon river trip to explore the geology and the archaeology of that region, cost approximately $3700. We will have alternative academic options for students unable to participate in that field experience. The optional Grand Canyon river trip is an amazing opportunity to experience first-hand the geology and human history of this World Heritage Site.  A commercial company will support this 8-day journey down 280 miles of free-flowing Colorado River.  They provide transportation to and from the river, lodging the night prior to departure, excellent meals, necessary camping gear, and well qualified guides.  Due to the limited space available on the river trip, there will be an application process in Winter quarter.  If you are interested in participating in this river trip, please contact Ken Tabbutt for additional information.

The program will include multiple modes of teaching so that students can gain an understanding of the foundations of geology and archaeology; become more responsible for their work; improve their collaboration and communication skills; and enhance integrative, independent, and critical thinking. 

This program is coordinated with Greener Foundations for first-year students. Greener Foundations is Evergreen’s in-person 2-quarter introductory student success course sequence, which provides first-year students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive at Evergreen. New students expected to take Greener Foundations will be prompted to register for a 2-credit Greener Foundations course in addition to this 14-credit program during registration. Students that took Greener Foundations in fall quarter will be automatically registered in winter quarter to complete the 4-credits of Greener Foundations.

Seminar will be reduced for students enrolled in Greener Foundations

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies (16-credits): 

5 - Physical Geology 

5 - Introductory Archaeology 

2 – Quantitative and Spatial Data Analysis 

4 - Seminar 

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies for Greener Foundations students (14-credits): 

5 - Physical Geology 

5 - Introductory Archaeology 

2 – Quantitative and Spatial Data Analysis 

2 - Seminar