Course Description
Introduction to the processing, classification, and analysis of archaeological artifacts common to Georgia and the southeastern United States.
Athena Title
Material Culture Analysis
Non-Traditional Format
Lecture will be presented within laboratory format to allow strong hands-on component to the course.
Prerequisite
ANTH 1102 or ANTH 1102E or ANTH 2120H or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course will help prepare undergraduate students wishing to pursue a career in archaeology for careers in cultural resource management and historic preservation. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand and identify: 1. Lithic raw material specific to Georgia 2. Lithic reduction processes 3. Characteristics, shapes, and time periods for lithic tools 4. Manufacturing processes for ceramic production 5. Temper, surface treatment, and time periods for common prehistoric ceramics in Georgia 6. Range of objects made of bone, shell, and other perishables 7. Manufacturing processes for historic ceramic production 8. Paste, surface treatment, and date ranges for common historic ceramics 9. Manufacturing processes for glass objects 10. Characteristics, mold type, and finish types for glass bottles 11. Range and basic characteristics of common historic objects Students will complete intensive in class and out of class exercises that require group and individual work. These exercises will be hands-on work that utilizes the artifact type collection in the Laboratory of Archaeology to identify artifacts.
Topical Outline
Identifying and analysis of prehistoric and historic artifacts of Georgia and the U.S., including: Lithic Raw Material Lithic Flakes and Tools Prehistoric Ceramics Historic Ceramics Historic Objects Shell, Bone, and Perishable Objects Basic Analysis Techniques Collections and Curation of Objects
Syllabus