ARCHAEOLOGY FIELD LAB
ARCH-01L
SYLLABUS
FALL 2008
INSTRUCTOR: Marcus Arguelles
OFFICE LOCATION: IAC 264
OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBER: (209) 384-6246
E-MAIL: arguelles.marc@mccd.edu
FIELD SUPERVISOR: Christine Grimaldi
OFFICE LOCATION: IAC 111
OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBER: (209) 384-6019
E-MAIL: grimaldi.c@mccd.edu
DATES FOR ARCHAEOLOGY FIELD CLASS:
September 6, 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 1, 15, 22
The Field Archaeology Lab class will be held on the above listed Saturdays. Students will meet by 8:30am outside the Anthropology Lab; room 111 of the IAC building. Transportation to and from the field site will be provided.
Students must attend seven field classes to qualify for a grade of “A”.
The phone number for the lab is (209) 384-6019.
IMPORTANT:
Dress for comfort! Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen! Students may want to bring gloves, knee pads and a dust mask. A camera is also recommended.
When working in the field, drink plenty of water. Ice water will be supplied, but students will need to bring their own drinking bottle (20oz. or greater). Students will also be responsible for bringing their own lunch and snacks. An ice chest will be supplied to keep drinks and lunches cold.
If a student has any special needs such as medications, physical limitations, etc., they need to let the instructor know prior to the first field class.
Also be advised, restroom facilities are somewhat primitive. Non-existent actually! There are however, an abundance of bushes and rocks on which one may avail oneself. So plan ahead.
In certain instances a Saturday class may be cancelled on short notice. It is recommended that students check their e-mail on Fridays before a dig to make sure the class has not been cancelled. This is especially important if the weather looks questionable. If a student does not have e-mail, they can set up an account at the Merced College Computer Lab located in IAC 137.
Students must give their contact information (current phone number and e-mail address) to the instructor prior to the first field class.
VERY IMPORTANT:
Be advised that students are only allowed on the private property where the dig site is located during field class. Students found on the property at other times are subject to arrest for trespassing and may face academic disciplinary measures.
DO NOT disturb cattle or other wildlife.
There is NO LITTERING; and absolutely NO SMOKING or open flames allowed on the property.
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE:
For everyone's safety, it is important that students follow the above guidelines as well as directions given by the Instructor or Field Supervisor. Disciplinary action may include oral reprimand; dismissal or a "drop" from the field class; a failing or "F" grade. Serious or repeated offenses may result in suspension from the college.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides the student with an opportunity to gain practical experience in archaeological field reconnaissance, archaeological site excavation, laboratory analysis of archaeological data, and preparation of archaeological reports. Students will take part in surveys and excavations on local, historic and prehistoric sites. This course may be repeated three times.
EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES:
A. Identify and evaluate archaeological sites form surface and subsurface evidence.
B. Apply scientific method to the analysis of archaeological evidence.
C. Critically analyze archaeological finds.
D. Excavate and record an archaeological site according to professionally recognized techniques and standards.
E. Demonstrate knowledge of archaeological dating techniques, excavation strategies, artifact and stratigraphic analysis and
interpretation.
F. Compare and contrast various theoretical approaches to archaeology.
G. Demonstrate a knowledge and appreciation for the importance of cultural resources and cultural resource management.
H. Upon the completion of each semester that this class is repeated the student will be expected to demonstrate greater
archaeological expertise and supervisory competence in the following areas of skill, knowledge and interpretative ability.
COURSE REPEATABILITY NOTE:
Each time this course is repeated, the areas addressed in the outline below will be expanded upon with appropriate instruction in excavation techniques, supervision skills and in the use of technical equipment necessary for progression in the following field positions: Excavator, Unit Supervisor, Area Supervisor and Field Assistant. During the first semester the student will learn how to excavate, screen and record an excavation unit. They will also receive instruction in the use of U.S.G.S. Topographic maps including the archaeological use of U.T.M. (Universal Transverse Mercator) coordinates. The second semester will involve supervising a novice excavator, developing more advanced excavating skills and maintaining an interpretative journal. They will be instructed in the use of a
field compass. During the third semester the student will be given the responsibility of supervising several units and review the unit level records from their area for completeness and accuracy. They will also be instructed in the archaeological use of G.P.S. (Global Positioning System) technology. Upon completion of the fourth semester the student will be responsible for supervising a larger portion of the site and will be introduced to the archaeological use of laser surveying equipment.