University of Calgary : Archaeology ARKY

Archaeology ARKY

ARKY 201 203 205 303 305 306 307 317 321 325 327 335 341 343 345 347 351 353 355 357 395 399 401 411 413 415 417 419 423 437 439 443 451 453 455 471 501 503 505 506 515 521 523 531 533 537 553 555 589 591 593 595 596 597 598 599 601 603 605 607 611 613 615 617 619 621 625 627 629 631 633 635 637 639 701 703

Instruction offered by members of the Department of Archaeology in the Faculty of Arts.

Department Head – G. Oetelaar

Junior Courses

Archaeology 201

Introduction to Archaeology

Basic principles of archaeology. How archaeological remains are located, recovered and interpreted.
Course Hours: H(3-3)

Archaeology 203

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.
Course Hours: H(3-2)

Archaeology 205

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Senior Courses

Archaeology 303

Archaeology of North America

Prehistoric cultural developments in North America.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Archaeology 305

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 30-1, 30-2, Pure Mathematics 30 or equivalent; Archaeology 203 or Biology 241 or 205.

Archaeology 306

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.)
Course Hours: F(0-7)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Notes: Normally offered during the Spring and/or Summer Terms.

Archaeology 307

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 317

Archaeology of the Ancient Puebloan Southwest

Survey of the puebloan archaeology of southwestern North America and their pre-puebloan ancestors. Topics include changes in hunter-gatherer mobility and economy, the rise of agriculture in the American Southwest, the rise of integrative communities and religious belief systems, as well as responses to violence, disease, climate change, and the immigration of non-Puebloan outsiders.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Not for credit with Archaeology 427.

Archaeology 321

Mammoths to Maize, Medicine Wheels and Warriors: Archaeology of the Canadian Plains

Introduction to Canadian Plains archaeology. Processes of cultural and social change on the northern plains over the last 12,000 years from early hunters of Ice–Age megafauna to tribal level farming societies are explored from a Canadian Plains perspective.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or 205 or 303 or consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Not for credit with Archaeology 421.

Archaeology 325

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Archaeology 327

Archaeology and Popular Culture

Archaeology is examined in terms of its place in contemporary society. Topics may include the use of archaeological evidence by special interest groups; archaeology as viewed by the media, ethical questions relating to the practice of archaeology.

Course Hours: H(3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Archaeology 335

African Stone Age

Introduction to the African Stone Age, with emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. Major cultural developments are explored through archaeological data, as well as other disciplines, including biogeography and geoarchaeology. Topics include early human origins and the behaviour of early humans during the middle Pleistocene, as well as the Later Stone Age. Focus on major chronological events and the cultural processes that characterize the Paleolithic era on the continent.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Not for credit with Archaeology 435.

Archaeology 341

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Archaeology 343

The Ancient Maya

Ancient Maya, from their beginnings to the historic period. Emphasis on the Classic Maya civilization, from AD 200-900.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Archaeology 345

The Legacy of Mesoamerica

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Archaeology 347

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Notes: This course is offered only during Spring and/or Summer Terms.

Archaeology 351

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 353

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 355

Native Cultures of the Amazon

A survey of the culture and linguistics of aboriginal South America, with emphasis on the lowland regions.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Archaeology 357

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Archaeology 395

African Archaeology

African archaeology from the earliest times to the ethnographic present, particularly on Holocene cultures, including hunters and foragers, sedentary farmers, and urban societies.

Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 399

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)

Archaeology 401

Archaeology of the Near East

Survey of the prehistory of the Near East, starting with the earliest traces of human activity up to the Bronze Age. Topics include adaptations to a varied environment, successive human migrations out of Africa, the nature of the Middle-Upper Palaeolithic transition, the agricultural revolution, and the world’s earliest cities and states.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 411

Mesoamerican Writing Systems

Overview of Mesoamerican writing systems, including Maya hieroglyphics. Topics include the origin and development of writing in Mesoamerica, as well as the evolution of the calendar and other notational systems. Introduction to methods of decipherment and current interpretations of the texts.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 341 and 343 or consent of the Department.
Also known as: (formerly Archaeology 511)

Archaeology 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.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 30-1 or Pure Mathematics 30 or equivalent; Geography 313 or consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Geography 413)

Archaeology 415

Lithic Technology

Study and analysis of tools and other artifacts, including their forms, methods of manufacture and use.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201.
Notes: Preference in enrolment is given to students who have declared a Major in Archaeology.

Archaeology 417

Zooarchaeology

The study and analysis of osteological remains used in reconstructing the subsistence strategies of past peoples.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201.
Notes: Preference in enrolment is given to students who have declared a Major in Archaeology.

Archaeology 419

Tipi, Buffalo, and Vision: People of the Plains

From the Blackfoot in the North to the Apache in the south, the lifeways of Plains people were incredibly diverse, including the iconic buffalo hunting people of the western Plains as well as the horticultural people of the eastern Plains. Explores traditional Plains culture as recorded in anthropological ethnographies, early European written accounts, and First Nations oral traditions.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Also known as: (Anthropology 419)

Archaeology 423

Archaeology of the Arctic

Prehistory/history of N. E. Asia, Alaska, Canada and Greenland. Emphasis will be placed on ecological and ethnographical data.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or 205 or 303 or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 437

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or 203 or consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Credit allowed for only one of Archaeology 437 or 533.14.

Archaeology 439

African Complex Societies

Ancient African complex societies with an emphasis on state development south of the Sahara. Topics include why these states developed, their participation in internal and international systems of exchange, technological developments, belief systems that supported power structures, and the reasons for their collapse. Time period covered is from the rise of the ancient state of Egypt to the colonial period.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 443

Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology

An overview of the history of hunter-gatherer studies in anthropology and archaeology. Introduces current theoretical issues in hunter-gatherer research.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for more than one of Archaeology 443 and 531.81 will not be allowed.

Archaeology 451

Introduction to Method and Theory

A survey of contemporary approaches to the study of archaeology emphasizing concepts from other disciplines.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201.
Notes: Open only to students with third-year standing or higher.

Archaeology 453

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.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or Geography 211 or Geology 201 or Geology 209 or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 455

Paleoindian Archaeology

Comprehensive overview of early hunter-gatherer archaeology in North and South America, including the Clovis/pre-Clovis debate, theoretical issues surrounding early hunting and mobility, the migration to the Americas during the last ice age, and cultural ecological dynamics.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 471

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.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201.

Archaeology 501

Practical Problems in Archaeological Interpretation

Exercises in the analysis and interpretation of a variety of archaeological data sets.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 or 205 or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 503

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 451 or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 505

Topics of Debate

Topics of debate in archaeology and human biology from a perspective that emphasizes philosophical, theoretical and methodological issues. Designed to hone students' critical, analytical, and debating skills, and as preparation for graduate studies.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 451.
Notes: Archaeology 505 should be taken in the final year of the program.

Archaeology 506

Advanced Archaeological Field Techniques

As a continuation of Archaeology 306, students are offered training in the more advanced aspects of field work.
Course Hours: F(0-7)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 and 306.
Notes: Normally offered during the Spring and/or Summer Terms.

Archaeology 515

Paleoethnobotany

The study of the uses of plants for food and other purposes such as tools by people in the past through archaeological remains and ethnobotanical research with contemporary people. Macroscopic and microscopic plant remains, such as phytoliths, starch grains, seeds, and charcoal are employed to reconstruct the past environments of ancient people. Theoretical and ethnobotanical issues such as folk taxonomy and ownership of traditional knowledge are explored.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 201 and consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Not open to students with credit in Archaeology 533.26.

Archaeology 521

Reconstructing Plains Culture

Archaeological plains cultures and the methodological and theoretical issues involved in the use of archaeological reconstructions of the past. Normally, focus will be on the Canadian Plains.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 321 or consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Not open to students with credit in Archaeology 623.

Archaeology 523

Human Ecology

Current directions in various subfields of human ecology as they apply to Anthropology, Archaeology, and Geography.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Not open to students with credit in Archaeology 609, Anthropology 609 and Geography 609.
Also known as: (Anthropology 523) (Geography 523)

Archaeology 531

Special Topics in Archaeology

This course is offered periodically to meet special needs of students or visiting faculty members.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Archaeology 533

Special Topics in Analytical Archaeology

This course is offered periodically to meet special needs of students or visiting faculty members.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Archaeology 537

Topics in Mesoamerican Archaeology

Focus will be on particular time periods or themes in Mesoamerican archaeology and ethnohistory.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Any two of Archaeology 341, 343, 345 or 347.

Archaeology 553

Caribbean Prehistory

The prehistory and history of the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean from the first peopling of the islands to the early contact period.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Not open to students with credit in Archaeology 531.61.

Archaeology 555

Human Osteology

Introduction to identification and interpretation of human skeletal and dental remains. Emphasis is on functional anatomy and reconstruction of prehistoric lifeways.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 203 or consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Not open to students with credit in Archaeology 613.
Notes: Preference in enrolment is given to students who have declared a Major in Archaeology or Anthropology.

Archaeology 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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 30-1, 30-2, Pure Mathematics 30 or equivalent; Anthropology 201 or Archaeology 203 or Archaeology 305, and consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Anthropology 589)

Archaeology 591

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 451.

Archaeology 593

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 451.

Archaeology 595

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 30-1, 30-2, Pure Mathematics 30 or equivalent; Archaeology 203 or consent of the Department. Archaeology 555 is recommended.
Notes: Preference in enrolment is given to students who have declared a Major in Archaeology or Anthropology.

Archaeology 596

Honours Thesis (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.
Course Hours: F(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 597

Independent Reading Course

An independent reading course for archaeology Majors. Each student is required to choose reading in consultation with an advisor.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 598

Honours Thesis (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.
Course Hours: F(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 599

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.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 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

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.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 603

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.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Archaeology 605

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.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 417 or equivalent.

Archaeology 607

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.
Course Hours: H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 611

Advanced Geoarchaeology

Critical evaluation of case studies and field examples to explore analytical methods and interdisciplinary theoretical approaches used in geoarchaeology. Field projects will be accompanied by seminar discussions of methodological and analytical approaches to geoarchaeology.
Course Hours: H(3-2)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 453, or Geography 307, or Geology 373, or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 613

Analysis of Human Skeletal Remains

Methods of analysing 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.
Course Hours: H(3-1T-2)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Not open to students with credit in Archaeology 555 or 603.07.

Archaeology 615

Topics in Archaeological Theory and Method

The history of archaeological theory and contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches used in archaeological research.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 617

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.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 619

Advanced Topics in Human Osteology

Current developments in interpretation of human skeletal and dental remains. Topics include forensic anthropology, bone biology, and population reconstruction.
Course Hours: H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Archaeology 555 or consent of the Department.

Archaeology 621

Problems in Ethnoarchaeology

Seminar on selected topics relating to ethnoarchaeology.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 625

Hunter-Gatherer Adaptations

Intensive study of contemporary and prehistoric hunter-gatherer social and economic adaptations.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)

Archaeology 627

Origins of Agriculture

Intensive study of the origins of agriculture throughout the world.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)

Archaeology 629

Advanced Ceramic Analysis

Studies in ceramic analysis, including typology, manufacturing techniques, use-wear, form/function and style.
Course Hours: H(3-1)

Archaeology 631

The Development of Complex Societies

The rise, development, and collapse of complex societies throughout the world.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 633

Specialized Analyses of Archaeological Materials

Theory and practice for specialized analyses of the physical and chemical composition of archaeological materials, including microscopic traces of use. Topics will cover procedures used to prepare materials for such specialized analyses and to identify the relevant properties, as well as issues of quantification and interpretation.
Course Hours: H(3S-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 635

Social Identity

Social identity is a fundamental theoretical and practical concern for archaeologists, physical anthropologists, and paleoanthropologists. Explores how humans use material culture and material practices to interact in a world ordered by social identities. Students will explore how research in their area of interest has addressed social identities.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 637

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.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 639

Stable Isotope Methods in Archaeology

Methods and applications of stable isotope analysis to archaeological research. Topics to be covered include the use of light stable isotopes to determine past and present diet, the use of stable isotopes to document residence and migration, analysis of stable carbon isotopes in soils, stable isotope ecology for environmental reconstruction and paleoclimate studies.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Archaeology 701

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.
Course Hours: H(3S-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Archaeology 703

Advanced Seminar in Selected Topics

Course Hours: H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

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