Course Description
This introductory survey-level course in the field of modern underwater archaeology includes a study of prehistoric and early “historic” archaeological sites in Europe and North America. It will focus on ancient and indigenous watercraft as well as inundated habitation/specialized sites. This is not a course in historic shipwreck archaeology.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
The graduate students will write a professional-level project
paper on an underwater research subject. They will gather data
(individually or as a team) to put in these individual reports.
Depending on the project, undergraduate students might be able
to serve as research assistants for the graduate students.
Athena Title
UNDERWATER ARCH
Prerequisite
ANTH 1102 or ANTH 2120H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, students will have a basic understanding of modern underwater archaeology as it pertains to prehistoric and early "historic" archaeological sites in Europe and North America. The focus will be on ancient and indigenous watercraft as well as inundated habitation/specialized sites. The student will be introduced to excavation methods and interpretive epistemologies used in underwater archaeology used in both freshwater and marine environments.
Topical Outline
1. Historic background, early research and diving equipment. Introduction to modern concepts of underwater archaeology – archaeology writ large – a study of the past through the vehicle of material culture. What is an “underwater archaeologist” (marine, maritime, nautical archaeologist)? How does underwater archaeology differ from “terrestrial” archaeology? 2. Survey, mapping and excavation techniques and strategies. Hand excavation to mechanical-assisted methods (grids, frames, airlifts, dredges, etc.). The “basics” to contemporary electronic/remotely operated techniques. 3. Practicum: (A) pool exercises in mapping, drawing and photography of sunken watercraft (UGA Marine Science Training Pool; (B) field exercises with remote sensing equipment (UGA Marine Science training pool; Lake Chapman, Sandy Creek Park). 4. Freshwater inundated prehistoric sites, I. Swiss Lake dwellings. Neolithic – Iron Age settlements; Germany, France, Italy, UK, etc. 5. Inundated U.S. sites and international locations, II. Springs of Florida; Missouri; The Paleo-Aucilla River, Florida – Page-Ladsen; Isle of Lewis, Loch Tay, Scotland. 6. Marine inundated prehistoric sites – Europe: Baltic Sea; Sea Henge; Marine inundated prehistoric sites – U.S. and North America: Gulf of Mexico; The Atlantic: UGA and Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, 1995-present day. 7. Freshwater prehistoric watercraft – Europe and North America. Dugout to framed craft of inland waters: Ferriby, Dover and Humber Boats(UK); the Bronze and Iron Age boats of Lake Neuchatel, Switzerland; Scotland and UK. Dugouts of Lake Phelps, North Carolina; Florida. Planked watercraft in prehistoric North America – the Chumash Tomal. The bark canoes of the Great Lakes and Canada. Vernacular watercraft – an example from Louisiana. Why study vernacular watercraft? 8. Conservation and curation methods. Organic preservation in submerged sites is one of their most important aspects. Special issues when conserving waterlogged materials – wood, textiles and metals – fresh and salt water. Removal of water and salts through freeze drying and electrolysis.
Syllabus