Archaeology | Randolph-Macon College Academic Catalog

Faculty: Hill, Director; Hassam, London, Previto, Thoburn, and Throckmorton.

Archaeology is the study of the human past through material remains. In 21st century practice, archaeology is truly multidisciplinary, with contributions from classics, history, art history, biology, chemistry, geology, anthropology, religious studies, classics, and many other fields. The scope of the human past studied by the archaeologist ranges from the earliest development of humans to very recent times. Modern archaeological research is directed toward understanding how the past cities and civilizations developed, why things changed in the past, and how the past relates to today.

With a broad range of disciplines involved, the study of archaeology also prepares students for a variety of jobs in the following fields: contract archaeology, museum studies, archaeological law, teaching and research, historical tourism, digital humanities, and non-profit or other work safeguarding Native American rights and the rights of other indigenous populations. The archaeology major provides students with a coherent, interdisciplinary introduction to the practice, theory, methods, regulations, and ethics of archaeology.

ARCH 221 - Archaeological Methods and Theory (4 Hours)

Archaeology is the study of the human past through material remains. This course covers the theory and methods of archaeology. Topics include the responsibilities of the archaeologist, stewardship of cultural remains, and research design. Specific tasks such as site identification, survey, excavation, and artifact conservation are practiced in a laboratory and field setting. Special emphasis is on applied sciences such as archaeological chemistry, bioarchaeology, geoarchaeology, and analyses of artifacts for the purposes of determining dates and provenance. The course is not limited to any specific cultures or past discoveries; the methods and approaches presented here are widely used by archaeologists in all areas of the world. This course involves fieldwork, and has a laboratory component.

Curriculum: NS,OC,SP

ARCH 320 - Archaeology, Art, and Cultural Heritage Ethics and Laws (3 Hours)

Who owns the past? Who should profit from archaeological discoveries? Where should antiquities be stored or displayed? Who should pay for the safety, conservation, and preservation of sites and artifacts? Should modern descendants have the option to prevent archaeological research aimed at their ancestors or museum exhibition of their ancestral material culture? Who should interpret the past of a culture or group of people? This course covers the current international and US laws which govern historic preservation, cultural resource management, archaeology, and commerce in antiquities; considers numerous case studies which have led to the creation of codes of ethics and professional standards for archaeologists and museums; and debates some of the diverse points of view concerning archaeological ethics and practice. Offered alternate years.

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 185

Cross-list: CLAS 320

Curriculum: CC

ARCH 381 - T:Special Topics (3 Hours)

ARCH 450 - Field Studies in Archaeology (3 Hours)

This course is an excavation, field research, or museum experience. The student will gain experience with archaeological techniques for survey, excavation, analysis, conservation, classification and recording on an approved excavation or in a museum or laboratory setting. A minimum of four weeks or 130 hours of participation in an excavation, field school, or museum program is required. If a student participates during the summer in an excavation or field school which is not part of the Randolph-Macon College summer session, the student should take ARCH 450 in the next term of residency at Randolph-Macon College. Permission of instructor required. Offered as needed.

Curriculum: CS,EL

ARCH 451 - Internship in Archaeology (Unpaid) (3 Hours)

This course is an excavation, field research, or museum experience. The student will gain experience with archaeological techniques for survey, excavation, analysis, conservation, classification and recording on an approved excavation or in a museum or laboratory setting. A minimum of four weeks or 130 hours of participation in an excavation, field school, or museum program is required. Permission of instructor required. Offered as needed. A special fee ($200) is charged for this course.

Curriculum: EL

ARCH 495 - Research Project in Archaeology (3 Hours)

A senior project may be undertaken in either the fall or spring term. The project should be directed primary research which results in a significant paper with original content. Archaeological case law, linking of material culture with historical documents, or primary source language studies tied to archaeological research (using sources in the original, native language, such as Greek, Latin, Spanish, or Hebrew) are possible areas of focus for the research project. Not open to freshmen. Permission required.

Curriculum: CS,EL