Course Description
Stable isotope analysis is an increasingly widespread methodology in archaeology for studying what past peoples ate (paleodiet) and people’s movements across landscapes (paleomobility). This course introduces basic principles of stable isotope biogeochemistry in archaeology and surveys some of the groundbreaking studies that have pushed the epistemological boundaries of archaeology.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will apply stable isotope methods and data
sets to solve scientific problems by designing and executing
novel, independent research projects in their particular area
of interest within the course’s content over the course of the
semester. Based on the results of their research, graduate
students will then (1) give a scientific presentation to the
class, and (2) prepare a publishable-quality research paper.
Graduate students also will lead periodic discussions based on
course readings.
Athena Title
Isotope Analysis Anthropology
Prerequisite
ANTH 1102 or ANTH 1102E or ANTH 2120H or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
• Describe use of stable isotope ratios in foodweb studies • Identify which scientific problems can be solved with stable isotope data • Describe how stable isotope evidence has complemented the study of major human demographic transitions (e.g., agriculture, sedentism, social stratification) in the last 30 years • Explain factors influencing the distribution of stable isotopes in the hydrosphere, geosphere, and atmosphere • Solve algebraic equations involving isotopic analysis and fractionation • Critically evaluate current archaeological research in stable isotope biogeochemistry • Design archaeological research incorporating stable isotope methods and principles
Topical Outline
Week 1: Introduction to stable isotope analysis Week 2: History of stable isotope analysis: From chemistry to archaeology Week 3: Isotopic baselines and fractionation Week 4: Paleoanthropology and isotopic perspectives on the evolution of human diet Week 5-7: Paleodiet and major human dietary transitions: carbon, nitrogen, sulfur Week 8-9: Paleomobility: oxygen and strontium Week 10-11: Life history, infant feeding, and diet disparities Week 12-13: Animals and landscapes Week 14: Stable isotopes and living models: human biology and primatology Week 15: Diagenesis and mixing