INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGY
Alternate Tuesdays — 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. — Mackey Auditorium
Coordinator: Richard McCaman
Instructor: Bonnie Shirley
Archaeology is a science aimed at examining and recovering materials from past human cultural life. Archaeologists look at the things people drop, break, leave behind, burn, cook, make and create, as well as human remains. The job of archaeologists is to try to date these materials and remains, analyze them and place them in a cultural perspective. Each lecture will include short videos, photos, PowerPoint, and suggested web sites. Students are encouraged to ask for information on archaeological mysteries or discoveries of interest to them.
Fascination with the Human Past
September 22
This lecture will involve discussion of the history of archaeology, when the science began, and who were its earliest practitioners. Click here to download references for further exploration.
How Do They Know How Old Something Is?
October 6
This lecture involves an overview of dating techniques, as well as the intriguing and mysterious items being dated.
Just How Old Are We?
October 20
This presentation will briefly address Lucy, discovered in Africa by Donald Johanson; the findings of the remarkable Leakey family and, specifically, the Lake Turkana Boy, a 12-year-old who died more than a million years ago. Resources for additional reading on this fascinating subject will be suggested.
Flying and Diving
November 3
How archaeology has benefited by aerial surveillance and a brief discussion of marine archaeology.
Fascinating Cases
November 17
The lecture will discuss the issues surrounding Kennewick Man, the Bog people, and what has been learned about Otzi, the Ice Man mummy found in the Italian Alps in 1991.
Recent Discoveries
December 8
More recently discovered ancient footprints in Africa will be discussed, along with Homo floriensis, nicknamed The Hobbit, what has been learned from a 14,000-year-old coprolite found in the New World, and a brief discussion of a previously unsuspected civilization discovered in the Amazon.