Anthropology 115
Introduction to Archaeology
Fall 2010
3 credits; no prerequisites
Class Time: MWF, 1:30-2:20
Rm: KinigHall110
Instructor: M.G. Michlovic, Professor, Department of Anthropology and
Earth Science
Office and Hours: King Hall 104 Tue and Thur 9-12 and 1-3
Tel/email: -2035/michlovc@mnstate.edu
Text: Assigned from free internet sources
Dragon Core Competencies addressed in this course
(DC5: History and the Social Sciences)

Describe social, scientific and/or historical approaches to
understanding human behaviors.

Understand appropriate methods to gather, analyze and interpret
data.

Critically analyze objective information and subjective
interpretations.

Examine social behavior across a range of historical periods and
cultures.
Student Assessment
Exams: You are assigned 4 exams during the scheduled examination
times, unless there is a reasonable excuse for missing. Exams will be
objective. The purpose of the exams is to discover whether you are able
to use the language of archaeology and recall and apply basic facts and
concepts. At the completion of this course you should be able to:
 Use the vocabulary of archaeology
 Understand how archaeological sites are discovered, excavated,
and analyzed
 Recognize differences and similarities in the culture history of
different regions of the world
 Be able to identify scientific ideas about the past and how these
ideas are developed.
Test Schedule
#1: Sept. 15
#2: Oct. 6
#3: Nov. 3
#4 Final Exam: Dec. 13, 3pm.
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Class Exercises: Students may be asked to complete several class
exercises for credit. Some of these may involve take-home assignments,
and others will be completed in class. These are designed to provide
credit for students who attend class. Make-ups will not be given for these
exercises.
Grades are based on total points accumulated in exams and special
exercises. If you miss a test I will provide a make-up essay test.
Make-ups will not be available for in-class exercises or for the final
exam. Everyone must take the final.
Readings:
Readings will be available in electronic formats. Assignments will be
given in class.
Course Description:
Review of archaeological study with special emphasis on the
interdisciplinary nature of archaeology. Archaeological methods and
techniques are explained as aspects of the process of discovery.
Introduction to the major phases in human culture history from the
earliest toolmakers to the rise of civilization.
Course Outline:
The course includes a review of the methods and theory of modern
archaeology, including: history of the field; site discovery and excavation
techniques; dating procedures; elementary analytical techniques;
overview of global culture history as revealed by the archaeological record
(major advances in human culture such as the beginnings of culture, the
“stone age”, the origins of farming and herding, and the development of
complex society.) The prehistoric period is central to the course, which
covers human history from the origins of culture 2.5 million years ago
until the emergence of the Old World ecumene about 2500 years ago,
and the rise of New World civilizations through about 2000 years ago.
Students with disabilities who believe they may need an
accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg
Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 477-2131 (Voice) or 1800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), CMU 114 as soon as possible to ensure
that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
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