ARCH-01

SYLLABUS

FALL 2008

INSTRUCTOR:                                                                    Marcus Arguelles

OFFICE LOCATION:                                                 IAC 264

OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBER:         (209) 384-6246

LAB TECHNICIAN / ASSISTANT:  Christine Grimaldi

OFFICE LOCATION:                                     IAC 111

OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBER:         (209) 384-6019

TEXT:  Thomas, Archaeology, Fourth Edition

WEEK OF                   READING ASSIGNMENT                         REACTION PAPER DUE

Aug. 18                                            Chapter   16                               

Aug. 25                                            Chapters 17 & 18                                                                                          Reaction Paper #1        Aug. 25

Sept. 1                                             No Class - Labor day                                                                                               

Sept. 8                                             Chapters 1 & 2                                                 

Sept. 15                                          Chapter  3                                                                                                           Reaction Paper #2        Sept. 15

Sept. 22                                          Chapters 4 & 5                                                           

Sept. 29                                          Chapter  6                                                                    

Oct. 6                                                Chapter  7                                                                                                          Reaction Paper #3        Oct. 6

Oct. 13                                             Chapter  8                                                                   

Oct. 20                                             Chapter  9                              

Oct. 27                                             Chapter  10                                                                                                       Reaction Paper #4        Oct. 27  

Nov. 3                                                Chapter  11                                                                             

Nov. 10                                             No Class - Veteran's Day                                                                 

Nov. 17                                             Chapter  12                                                                                                       Reaction Paper #5        Nov. 17

Nov. 24                                             Chapter  13                                                                  

Dec. 1                                                Chapter  14 

Dec. 8                                                Chapter  15

Dec. 15                                             Finals Week

Dec. 15 (Mon.)                  FINAL                                    8:00 pm to 9:50 pm

REACTION PAPERS:  Reaction papers will be due on the dates indicated above.  The papers should reflect your thoughts about statements in the text or your reaction to class discussions, lectures, and films.  You may also express your ideas on relevant archaeological articles or programs you see outside of class. 

Reaction papers will be worth between 10 and 25 points each, although I may award higher scores for exceptionally good work.  Late papers will receive a reduced grade.  Papers are to be typed in a 12 point font, double-spaced, and should average two pages in length.  PLEASE!!! Be sure to include the following information in the upper right hand corner of the first page:

            NAME
            CLASS TIME
            DATE 

MUSEUM:  During the month of August you should visit the Merced County Historical Society Museum or similar museum in your community (i.e. Atwater, Los Banos, Mariposa).  Be prepared to write about your tour.  The Merced County Courthouse Museum is located at M and W. 21st Streets, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

EXAMINATIONS:  From time to time you will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of the text, films or lectures through short quizzes.  These may not be announced in advance and make-ups will be given only at the discretion of the instructor.  I do not plan to give mid-term exams.  The final exam will consist of a take home assignment and a comprehensive exam.

CLASS EXERCISES:  Artifacts will be used in class for projects and illustration of archaeological concepts.  These exercises cannot be made up unless you have a valid excuse for missing the class.

ATTENDANCE:  It is your advantage to attend each class since unannounced class exercises cannot be made up and the final examination will be partially based on material covered in class. 

MAKE-UPS:  Make-ups will be given only at the discretion of the instructor and must be completed within one week of the missed class time.  On occasion, Mr. Arguelles may ask you to contact Christine Grimaldi to arrange a make-up.  No make-ups will be given during finals week.

CELL PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN CLASS:  Turn off and put away your cell phones before entering the classroom.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:  This course is an introduction to archaeological theory and method.  The class examines the historical development of the discipline, various theoretical and methodological approaches, and technical aspects of archaeology such as stratigraphic analysis, relative and absolute dating, lithic analysis and seriation.  Artifacts from around the world are used in class to illustrate various concepts of archaeology and prehistory.   

EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES:  Upon completion of the course the student is expected to:

A.  Understand the development of archaeology through critical appraisal of the contributions of significant theorists.

B.  Apply scientific method to the analysis of archaeological evidence.

C.  Critically analyze existing archaeological research.

D.  Generate and test hypothesis.

E.  Demonstrate a 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 of the importance of cultural resources and cultural resource

        management.

GRADES:  The scores on your labs, reaction papers, class exercises, and final exam will be added together to determine your grade.  The top total score will be used to set the grading scale.  The following increments will be used to establish the grades:

            A         =          90-100% of high total score

            B          =          80-89%

            C         =          70-79%

            D         =          60-69% 

ACADEMIC HONESTY:  “Academic dishonesty is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.  Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and misuse of college computers and software.  Disciplinary action may include oral reprimand; a failing grade on all or part of a particular paper, project, or examination; or the assignment of an “F” grade in cases where dishonesty is more serious, premeditated, or a repeat offense.  Serious or repeated offenses may result in suspension from the college.” (Merced College Catalog)