Archaeology ARKY
Instruction offered by members of the Department of Archaeology in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Department Head - M.A. Katzenberg
Junior Courses
Archaeology 201 H(3-3)(Area III)
Introduction to Archaeology
Basic principles of archaeology. How archaeological remains are located, recovered and interpreted.
Archaeology 203 H(3-3)(Area III)
An Introduction to Physical Anthropology
Survey of the major subfields of physical anthropology including evolution, human paleontology, genetics, osteology and variation, and techniques of data collection.
Archaeology 205 H(3-0)(Area II)
Ancient Peoples and Places
An overview of Old and New World archaeology; the emergence of humans; development of humans and culture from hunting/gathering to agricultural and ancient urban societies.
Senior Courses
Archaeology 303 H(3-0)(Area II)
Archaeology of North America
Prehistoric cultural developments in North America.
Archaeology 305 H(3-0)(Area II)
Human Variation and Adaptation
Some of the major problems involved in interpreting modern and recent human diversity. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between human cultural and biological systems and on cultural influences upon human biological diversity. Factors important to archaeological interpretation will be stressed.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 203 or Biology 231 or 205.
Archaeology 306 F(0-7)(Area III)
Field Course in Archaeological Techniques
Practical application of modern field techniques in archaeology, including excavation, recording and analysis of sites, artifacts and related materials. (Advanced students are referred to Archaeology 506.)
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Note: Normally offered during the Spring and/or Summer Sessions.
Archaeology 307 H(3-0) (Area II)
Introduction to Ethnoarchaeology
Ethnoarchaeology and analogical reasoning in archaeology. Survey of theoretical approaches and field methods. Case studies in several domains of material culture worldwide. Actual and potential contributions to archaeology and anthropology.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 325 H(3-0)(Area II)
Ancient Civilizations
The rise and achievements of the earliest civilizations in both the Old and New Worlds. Emphasis will be placed on the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Mesoamerica and the Andes.
Archaeology 341 H(3-0)(Area II)
Ancient Mexico
Ancient cultures of Mexico, excluding the Maya, from their beginnings to the historic period. Emphasis on the civilizations of the Olmecs, Zapotecs, Teotihuacanos, Toltecs and Aztecs.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 343 H(3-0)(Area II)
The Ancient Maya
Ancient Maya, from their beginnings to the historic period. Emphasis on the Classic Maya civilization, from AD 200-900.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 345 H(3-0)(Area II)
Indians of Middle America
Traditional native cultures of Middle America. Emphasis is on technology, social organization, economic systems, religions, arts and languages, particularly in the culture centres of Mexico.
Prerequisites: One Archaeology or Anthropology course.
Archaeology 347 H(3-0)(Area II)
Regional Studies in Latin American Archaeology
Content varies according to region in Latin America where course is taught. A general survey of the archaeology of the region and an intensive look at the archaeology of the immediate vicinity, including visits to sites and museums. Individual and group study are interspersed with formal instruction.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Note: This course is offered only during Spring and/or Summer Sessions.
Archaeology 351 H(3-0)(Area II)
Archaeology of South America: The Lowlands and the Northern Andes
Prehistoric cultural development in the tropical areas of South America with particular emphasis on the Amazon Basin.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 353 H(3-0)(Area II)
Archaeology of South America: The Central Andes
The rise of civilization in the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes. Beginning with the first hunting cultures before 8000 B. C., this course reviews the major events and cultural processes which ultimately led to the development of the Inca civilization.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 355 H(3-0)(Area II)
Indians of South America: The Lowlands and the Northern Andes
A survey of the culture and linguistics of aboriginal South America, with emphasis on the lowland regions.
Archaeology 357 H(3-0)(Area II)
The Incas and Their Successors
Traditional cultures of the Ecuadorian, Peruvian and Bolivian Andes. Special emphasis is placed on the social, political and economic organizations of the Inca empire.
Archaeology 395 H(3-0)(Area II)
African Archaeology
African archaeology from the earliest times to the ethnographic present.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 399 H(3-0)(Area II)
Ethnohistory of Africa
The ethnohistory of the area. Emphasis will be placed on a study of the material culture of non-industrial societies both in the present and the recent past, language distribution, oral tradition and other aspects of ethnohistory.
Archaeology 401 H(3-0)(Area II)
Archaeology of the Near East
An overview of the archaeology of the Near East.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 409 H(3-0)(Area II)
Prehistory of Europe
A survey of the prehistoric archaeology of Europe.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 413 H(3-2)(Area III)
(Geography 413)
Soil Characteristics and Formation
Characteristics of soils and the processes and factors of soil formation. Soil development related to geomorphic materials, geomorphic events, anthropogenic sources, and erosional and depositional landscapes.
Prerequisites: Geography 313 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 415 H(0-6)(Area III)
Lithic Technology
Study and analysis of tools and other artifacts, including their forms, methods of manufacture and use.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201.
Note: Until August 15, preference in enrollment is given to students who have declared a major in Archaeology.
Archaeology 417 H(0-6)(Area III)
Zooarchaeology
The study and analysis of osteological remains used in reconstructing the subsistence strategies of past peoples.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201.
Note: Until August 15, preference in enrollment is given to students who have declared a major in Archaeology.
Archaeology 419 H(3-0)(Area II)
(Anthropology 419)
Ethnography of the Great Plains
Comparative study of peoples and cultures of the Great Plains past and present.
Archaeology 421 H(3-0)(Area II)
Archaeology of the Great Plains
Comprehensive overview of the archaeology of the Plains area. Special emphasis on the Alberta and Northern Plains.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 205 or 303 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 423 H(3-0)(Area II)
Archaeology of the Arctic
Prehistory/history of N. E. Asia, Alaska, Canada and Greenland. Emphasis will be placed on ecological and ethnographical data.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 205 or 303 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 427 H(3-0)(Area II)
Archaeology of Southwestern North America
A comprehensive survey of the archaeology of the Greater Southwest.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 205 or 303 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 431 H(3-0)(Area II)
Oceanic Prehistory
The prehistory of New Guinea, Australia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Reviews the Southeast Asian origin of Oceanic cultures; the early peopling of New Guinea and Australia; the migration of people into the islands of the South Pacific and the development of Oceanic cultures to the end of the prehistoric period.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 433 H(3-0) (Area II)
Archaeology of Eastern North America
Cultural developments in eastern North America from the earliest known human occupation to the advent of Europeans. Topics will include the changing adaptations of hunter-gatherers, the appearance of sedentism, the introduction/invention of horticulture, and the emergence of social complexity.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 435 H(3-0) (Area II)
African Stone Age
A study of human origins and prehistoric hominin behaviour on the African continent.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 205 or 395 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 437 H(3-0) (Area III)
(formerly Archaeology 533.14)
Paleolithic Archaeology in the Old World
A global survey of Old World prehistoric hunter-gatherers with an emphasis on factual data, analytical techniques, and interpretive trends in the study of the Paleolithic era.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 203 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 439 H(3-0) (Area II)
Ancient Civilizations of Africa
An overview of ancient African civilizations that developed along the Nile and south of the Sahara.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 441 H(3-0) (Area II)
Later African Prehistory
Late Pleistocene and early to mid-Holocene developments throughout the continent, including food production and complexity.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 443 H(3-0) (Area II)
(formerly Archaeology 531.81)
Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology
An overview of the history of hunter-gatherer studies in anthropology and archaeology. Introduces current theoretical issues in hunter-gatherer research.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 451 H(3-0)(Area II)
Introduction to Method and Theory
A survey of contemporary approaches to the study of archaeology emphasizing concepts from other disciplines.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201.
Note: Open only to students with third or higher year standing.
Archaeology 453 H(3-3) (Area III)
Fundamentals of Geoarchaeology
Analytical methods used in geoarchaeology. The interpretation of site and regional context, provenance, and paleoenvironment, and the application of dating methods, chemical and isotopic methods, and remote sensing. Case studies and experiential learning through field examples.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or Geography 201 or Geology 201 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 471 H(3-2)(Area III)
Ceramic Analysis
The production of pottery: raw materials and techniques. Form, function and decoration. Ceramic ecology. Field processing and sampling. Classification: a survey of approaches. Ceramics and archaeological inference. Practical exercises.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201.
Archaeology 493 H(3-0)(Area III)
Problems of Hominid Evolution
A detailed investigation of the major problems which confront scholars in terms of hominid evolution. Several sub-disciplines of physical anthropology are considered.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 501 H(3-0)(Area II)
Practical Problems in Archaeological Interpretation
Exercises in the analysis and interpretation of a variety of archaeological data sets.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 503 H(3-0)(Area II)
Gender in Prehistory
The theoretical background for feminist archaeology and some of the important advances in Old and New World gender studies. Topics include the relationship of gender hierarchy to the rise of the state; contrasts between the ideological representation of gender and culture practice; and an overarching theme of critical analysis relating the present to the past.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 451 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 505 H(3-0)(Area II)
Topics of Debate
Topics currently being debated in archaeology and human biology from a perspective that emphasizes philosophical, theoretical and methodological issues. Specific issues addressed will vary each session and generally correlate with on-going senior thesis research. Opportunities to discuss the research process will be provided. Designed to hone students' critical, analytical, and debating skills, and as preparation for graduate studies.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 451.
Note: Archaeology 505 should be taken in the final year of the program.
Archaeology 506 F(0-7)(Area III)
Advanced Archaeological Field Techniques
As a continuation of Archaeology 306, students are offered training in the more advanced aspects of fieldwork.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 and 306.
Note: Normally offered during the Spring and/or Summer Sessions.
Archaeology 507 H(3-0) (Area III)
(formerly Archaeology 533.13)
Issues in Hominoid Behaviour
Critical evaluation of the behavioural patterns shared by hominoids from the perspectives of primatology, paleonanthropology, and Paleolithic archaeology.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 201 or 203 or 205; Anthropology 201 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 511 H(3-0)(Area II)
Mesoamerican Writing Systems
Writing systems of Mesoamerica, their origins and development, including the Mesoamerican calendar and astronomical knowledge.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 341 and 343 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 513 H(3-0) (Area II)
Comparative Writing Systems
A comparison of selected writing systems around the world. Attention will be paid to strategies used in various scripts for the transmission of spoken language to written form. Emphasis will be on scripts of the ancient world: their development, uses, and decipherment.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 517 H(3-0) (Area III)
Archaeometry
Analytical methods for reconstructing various aspects of life in the past based on analysis and interpretation of the material record. The structures of materials at the microscopic and macroscopic levels; raw materials and production technologies; provenance; dating; prospection; dietry reconstruction; sampling and measurement. Archaeological case studies are used throughout.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 531 H(3-0)(Area II)
Special Topics in Archaeology
This course is offered periodically to meet special needs of students or visiting faculty members.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Archaeology 533 H(3-0)(Area III)
Special Topics in Archaeology
This course is offered periodically to meet special needs of students or visiting faculty members.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Archaeology 537 H(3-0) (Area II)
Topics in Mesoamerican Archaeology
Focus will be on particular time periods or themes in Mesoamerican archaeology and ethnohistory.
Prerequisites: Any two of Archaeology 341, 343, 345 or 347.
Archaeology 553 H(3-0) (Area II)
(History 553)
Circum-Caribbean Archaeology and History
The prehistory and history of the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean from the first peopling of the islands to the early contact period.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 555 H(3-2) (Area III)
Human Osteology
Introduction to identification and interpretation of human skeletal and dental remains. Emphasis is on functional anatomy and reconstruction of prehistoric lifeways.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 203 or consent of the Department.
Note: Not open to students with credit in Archaeology 613.
Note: Until August 15, preference in enrollment is given to students who have declared a Major in Archaeology or Anthropology.
Archaeology 589 H(3-0)(Area III)
(Anthropology 589)
Nutritional Anthropology
The study of human dietary practices from biological and cultural perspectives. Subjects covered include the development of nutritional anthropology, principles of nutrition, principles of ecology, diet from an evolutionary, comparative and historic perspective, the impact of undernutrition on human physiology, and behaviour and methods in nutritional anthropology.
Prerequisites: Anthropology 201 or 203 or Archaeology 305 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 591 H(3-0)(Area II)
Landscape Archaeology
Human perceptions and uses of the ecophysical and cultural environment. How societies humanize their environment by naming places, identifying resources, establishing paths, modifying and replicating the natural landscape thereby creating a tradition of land use that can be accessed archaeologically.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 451.
Archaeology 593 H(3-0)(Area II)
Household Archaeology
Human perceptions and uses of the built environment, particularly residential architecture. The emphasis is on the structure and symbolism associated with the spatial arrangements of objects, activities, and social interactions.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 451.
Archaeology 595 H(3-0)(Area III)
Problems in Palaeopathology and Palaeonutrition
Patterns of disease in prehistoric human populations with consideration to the interaction of health and nutrition. Techniques for determining disease and nutrition from prehistoric remains are covered.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 203 or consent of the Department. Archaeology 555 is recommended.
Note: Until August 15, preference in enrollment is given to students who have declared a Major in Archaeology or Anthropology.
Archaeology 596 F(3S-0)(Area III)
Independent Research (BSc)
Thesis normally required of Honours BSc students and also open for credit to other undergraduate Majors. Students are expected to carry out an analytical research project on a subject acceptable to the Department and to produce a final report written in a professional manner. Normally the project will be directed by one staff member who will consult with another staff member in arriving at an evaluation of the report.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 597 H(3S-0)(Area II)
Independent Reading Course
An independent reading course for archaeology Majors. Each student is required to choose reading in consultation with an advisor.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 598 F(3S-0)(Area II)
Independent Research (BA)
Thesis normally required of Honours BA students and also open for credit to other undergraduate Majors. Students are expected to carry out a research project in a subject acceptable to the Department and to produce a final report written in a professional manner. Normally, the project will be directed by one staff member who will consult with another staff member in arriving at an evaluation of the report.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 599 H(3-0) (Area III)
Independent Readings in Archaeology
An independent reading course for archaeology majors. Emphasis will be on the methodological, technical and scientific literature relating to archaeological interpretation. Each student is required to choose reading in consultation with an advisor.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Graduate Courses
Only where appropriate to a student's program may graduate credit be received for courses numbered 500-599.
Archaeology 601 H(3-0)
Theoretical Foundations
The philosophy of science, the history of anthropological theory, and a survey of contemporary theoretical approaches in anthropology. Throughout, the relevance to and connections with the subdisciplines of archaeology and biological anthropology will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 603 H(3S-0)
Seminar on Special Topics
Intensive study of special problems of particular interest to Archaeology Department graduate students. Subject matter for any particular year to be left to the discretion of the Department.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Archaeology 605 H(3-2)
Advanced Zooarchaeology
Specialized techniques of zooarchaeological analysis employed in research areas including site seasonality, aging and sexing, paleo-environmental reconstruction and identification techniques for non-mammalian species.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 417 or equivalent.
Archaeology 607 H(0-6)
Interpretation in Lithic Analysis
Lithic analysis methodology, including issues such as reduction stage analysis, usewear and residue analysis, material sourcing, replication, and spatial patterning. The use of lithic remains in interpretation of the social behaviour of archaeological cultures.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 609 H(3S-0)
(Anthropology 609) (Geography 609)
Human Ecological Systems
The development of human ecology, its current directions and application of analytical techniques as they apply to anthropology, archaeology and geography.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 611 H(3-2)
Advanced Geoarchaeology
Critical evaluation of case studies and field examples to explore analytical methods and interdisciplinary theoretical approaches used in geoarchaeology. Field and laboratory projects will be accompanied by seminar discussions of methodological and analytical approaches to geoarchaeology.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 613 H(3-1S-2)
Analysis of Human Skeletal Remains
Methods of analyzing human remains from archaeological contexts with emphasis on identification and description. Lecture, lab and weekly seminar directed to Archaeology graduate students who have not had a previous course in human osteology.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Note: Not open to students with credit in Archaeology 555 or 603.07.
Archaeology 615 H(3-0)
Topics in Archaeological Theory and Method
The history of archaeological theory and contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches used in archaeological research.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 617 H(3-0)
Theory and its Application in Biological Anthropology
Basic issues in the study of human adaptation with a focus on principles of evolutionary biology as they apply to modern studies. Throughout, a bio-cultural approach will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 619 H(3-0)
Advanced Topics in Human Osteology
Current developments in interpretation of human skeletal and dental remains. Topics include forensic anthropology, bone biology, and population reconstruction.
Prerequisites: Archaeology 555 or consent of the Department.
Archaeology 621 H(3S-0)
Problems in Ethnoarchaeology
Seminar on selected topics relating to ethnoarchaeology.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 623 H(3S-0)
Reconstructing Plains Culture
Archaeological and ethnographic Plains culture and the methodological and theoretical issues involved in the use of achaeological reconstructions of the past. Normally focus will be on the northern Plains.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 625 H(3S-0)
Hunter-Gatherer Adaptations
Intensive study of contemporary and prehistoric hunter-gatherer social and economic adaptations.
Archaeology 627 H(3S-0)
Origins of Agriculture
Intensive study of the origins of agriculture throughout the world.
Archaeology 629 H(3-1)
Advanced Ceramic Analysis
Studies in ceramic analysis, including typology, manufacturing techniques, use-wear, form/function and style.
Archaeology 637 H(3S-0)
Mesoamerican Archaeology and History
Ancient history of Mesoamerica, emphasizing a conjunctive approach based on hieroglyphic, historical and ethnohistorical sources as well as on archaeological evidence.
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
Archaeology 701 H(3S-0)
Special Topics in World Archaeology
Archaeology of particular geographical areas such as Circumpolar, North America, Mesoamerica, South America, Africa, Oceania, and Europe and Near East.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Archaeology 703 H(3S-0)
Advanced Seminar in Selected Topics
Prerequisites: Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
In addition to the numbered and titled courses shown above, the department offers a selection of advanced level graduate courses specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals or small groups of students at the advanced doctoral level. These courses are numbered in the series 800.01 to 899.99. Such offerings are, of course, conditional upon the availability of staff resources.