GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE - ANTH 131, SPRING 2007

Lecture, Thursdays, 2-5 pm, Hearst 16
Lab, Tuesdays 2-5 pm, Hearst 16 or TBA
Professor  M. Steven Shackley                                                                             

Professor’s Office Hours: Tues:10-12, and by appt. 2251 College, Rm. 210                                                                                                                       GSI: Celeste Henrickson 
GSI’s Office Hours: In lab, Tues 2-5, or TBA
Course Web Site: http://sscl.berkeley.edu/~anth131/

This survey and lab course will touch upon a broad range of scientific techniques used in the field and in the analysis of geoarchaeological materials.  The focus will be on current advances in physical science applications in archaeology and the integration of results into the planning and resolution of archaeological problems and projects.  The course will include field and laboratory studies in analytical chemistry, geology, petrology/petrography, a survey of dating methods in archaeology, the historical development of archaeological science,  and other aspects of archaeological science as applied to geological materials.  Laboratory work will be in the Department of Earth and Planetary Science, the Berkeley Geochronology Center, as well as the Department of Anthropology and its Geoarchaeological XRF Laboratory.  A number of specialists in the field will participate including), Dr. Paul Renne (Director, Berkeley Geochronology Lab),  Leah Morgan, Tim Teague, Kent Ross (Earth and Planetary Science)as well as the instructor and GSI.   

The course is not designed to train you as an archaeometrist, but is designed to familiarize you with the physical scientific methods used as tools by archaeologists to solve archaeometric problems.

Required texts:  (1) Henderson, J. (2000), The Science of Archaeology and Materials: An Investigation of Inorganic Materials; (2) Dictionary of Geological Terms, Third Edition. Bates and Jackson 1984; (3) ERES (electronic) readings for each week (http://eres.berkeley.edu/courseindex.asp).  These are .pdf files you can read online or print.  Password distributed in class and by e-mail.

Recommended texts: (1) Obsidian: Geology and Archaeology of the North American Southwest, Shackley; (2) Geoarchaeology, G. Rapp and C.L. Hill.  It is also recommended that you get a 10x magnifier or jewelers loop usually obtainable at the Bear Stores (ASUC) or from Forestry Suppliers.

Required of you:  This is a combination survey and laboratory course.  You are required to participate in all lectures and labs.  The syllabus, assignments, announcements and exam study guides will be posted on the web site.  Look at the site at least once per week.  If your e-mail address is not registered with UCB, you must give it to the GSI.  Most of the class information not discussed in class or lab is distributed through e-mail. 

You will be evaluated on four mainly objective criteria each worth 25% of your grade: 

(1)  2 exams: 1 mid-term and 1 final exam that is, in part, lab exam and written exam (50% of grade)

(2)  Lab quizzes and homework (25% of grade)

(3)  A term paper on any aspect of geoarchaeological science cleared with the instructor by March 15 (a maximum of 10 double spaced pages).  This is due on May 14 by 5pm in the box on my office door, Rm. 210, 2251 College, or in my mailbox in the same building, no exceptions (25% of grade).

All assignments are due by the assigned date.  After that date, 1 point will be lost for each day.