HIST 4324 - History and Archaeology

Credit Hours: (3)

Description: History and Archaeology in general ask the same kinds of questions about humanity but use different methods to answer those questions. For many ancient cultures, archaeology is the primary way that information is collected and provides the data from which history is written. In order to understand the relationship between these two disciplines and the narratives created by each, this class will introduce students of history to the history and practice of archaeology and how data is used in modern fieldwork. We will cover the basic concepts and contributions of sciences that go into archaeological investigation (like geology, botany, zoology, osteology). We can use these archaeological methodologies to augment traditional historical text-based inquiries, and also to investigate the history of non-textual cultures. An interdisciplinary approach or at least an awareness of material culture investigations and its possibilities will help history students find new ways to approach historical questions.