Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation from Dickinson, Archaeology majors will be able to:
- contextualize the diversity of past human experiences through the comparative examination of material culture broadly defined, and identify the role of archaeology in the contemporary world;
- assemble, analyze, and interpret archaeological evidence using appropriate archaeological methods, and discern and follow ethical practice;
- differentiate and evaluate core archaeological theories and interpretive tools, engage in dialogue with voices within and outside of the field, and demonstrate reflexivity about the role of archaeology in the contemporary world;
- apply archaeological concepts and techniques through original research in a geographic, chronological, or methodological focus of their choosing.
Major
12 courses plus practical experience
- Three courses at the 100-level: ANTH 100, ARCH 110, and either ARCH 120 or ARCH 130
- Two courses in interdisciplinary methods: ARCH 290 and one other Methods in Archaeology (MiA) course
- Two courses in archaeological theory and interpretation at the 300 level (e.g. ARCH 345 or ANTH 345, dependent on topic)
- Four electives drawn from a specialization in either Mediterranean Archaeology (Area A) or Archaeology, Anthropology, and the Environment (Area B). A maximum of two electives can be taken outside the department.
- The Senior Colloquium (ARCH 400)
Methods in Archaeology (MiA) Courses
ARCH 200: Paleoethnobotany Lab Methods
ARCH 206: Museum Studies
ARCH 218: Geographic Information Systems
ARCH 220: Ethnography
ANTH 225: Human Osteology
ANTH 227: Forensic Anthropology
ANTH 241: Quantitative Methods in Biocultural Anthropology
GEOS 151: Foundations of Earth Sciences
GEOS 204: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems with Field Applications
GEOS 205: Introduction to Soil Science
GEOS 322: Archaeological Geology
Mediterranean Archaeology Electives (Area A)
ARCH 120: Greek Art and Archaeology* (if not taken as a required course)
ARCH 130: Roman Art and Archaeology* (if not taken as a required course)
ARCH 202: Reality, Idealism, Beauty, and Power: Topics in the Art & Architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome
ARCH 200: Selected Topics in Archaeology (dependent on topic)
ARCH 210: Epics and Empires: Art and Archaeology of the Mediterranean Bronze Age
ARCH 395: Archaeological Field Studies (dependent on fieldwork location)
ARCH 500: Independent Study (only with permission of advisor and consent of instructor)
ARTH 101: An Introduction to the History of Art
CLST 100: Greek and Roman Mythology
CLST 110: Introduction to Greek Civilization
CLST 140: Ancient Worlds on Film
CLST 200: Special Topics in Classical Civilization (dependent upon topic)
CLST 251: Greek History
CLST 253: Roman History
Archaeology, Anthropology, and the Environment Area B)
ARCH 200: Selected Topics in Archaeology dependent on topic)
ARCH 200: Paleoethnobotanical Methods* (if not taken as a Methods in Archaeology course)
ARCH 260: Environmental Archaeology
ARCH 261: Archaeology of North America
ARCH 262: South American Archaeology
ARCH 395: Archaeological Field Studies (dependent on fieldwork location)
ARCH 500: Independent Study (only with permission of advisor and consent of instructor)
ANTH 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 205: Native Peoples of Eastern North America
ANTH 222: Anthropology of Latin America
ANTH 225: Human Osteology* (if not taken as a Methods in Archaeology course)
ANTH 227: Forensic Anthropology* (if not taken as a Methods in Archaeology course)
ANTH 245: Selected Topics in Anthropology (dependent on topic)
ANTH 255: Global Eastern Africa
ANTH 331: Human Evolution
GEOS 142: Earth's Changing Climate
GEOS 201: Surface Processes
GEOS 307: Paleontology
GEOS 305: Earth Materials
GEOS 309: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
GEOS 333: Environmental Geophysics
ENST 121: Environmental Science for Non-Majors
ENST 161: Environmental Connections
ENST 280: Environmental and Social Justice
Ancient Languages
Latin or Ancient Greek is strongly recommended for students specializing in Mediterranean Archaeology (Area A) or double majoring or minoring in Classical Studies. Two semesters of an ancient language may be counted collectively as one elective credit for the Mediterranean Archaeology (Area A) specialization.
Practical Experience
All archaeology students must complete a registered and pre-approved practical experience. This experience should introduce the student to archaeological work in the field (e.g., field schools), a laboratory, archives, or a museum. The length and structure of practical experience opportunities may vary depending on the nature of an opportunity, and students should discuss opportunities with a departmental advisor before beginning them. Typically, a practical experience undertaken in the summer months must be at least 4 weeks in duration, and a practical experience during the academic semester must total at least 80 hours.
Students can complete their practical experience and receive credit in four ways: Academic Internship & Research Program (INP/REXP); transfer credit from a recognized, credit-granting field school; or as an independent study (ARCH 500).
1. Internship Program (INP)
- The student records their participation as an internship during the summer or academic year; INP enrollment must occur at the beginning of the experience. Retroactive credit cannot be processed.
- The student will earn 0.25 credit (INTR 7xx) on their transcript for the semester/summer.
- Enrollment in the INP is fee-free and tuition-free.
- Field School Note: INP recognizes that many field schools have discipline-specific standards for program length. While the INP minimum is eight weeks, INP and ARCH faculty work together to review enrollment requests for shorter experiences, particularly those lasting four or more weeks.
- Students may be eligible to apply for Summer Internship Grants.
2. Research Experience (REXP)
- The student participates in a scholarly research experience during the summer under the supervision of professional researchers at Dickinson or another institution.
- The student will earn 0.25 credit (REXP 7xx) on their transcript for the summer. REXP registration must occur at the beginning of the experience. Retroactive credit cannot be processed.
- Enrollment in the REXP is fee-free and tuition-free.
3. Credit-granting field school
- The student participates in a field school during the summer, choosing to earn course credit through the host institution.
- The student will then transfer the credit to Dickinson. Application for study at other institutions must be completed before the beginning of the field school.
- For a field school not completed for credit through the host institution, a student is encouraged to enroll as an REXP or INP as discussed above.
4. Independent Study
- The student completes an independent study with Dickinson faculty during the academic year.
- The student will receive course credit (ARCH 500) on their transcript at the completion of the independent study.
- Independent studies must include a substantial element of practical laboratory, archive, or museum work to qualify as practical experience.
Minor
6 courses
Three of the following core courses:
- ANTH 100: Introduction to Biological Anthropology
- ARCH 110: Archaeology and World Prehistory
- Either ARCH 120: Greek Art and Archaeology or ARCH 130: Roman Art and Archaeology
- ARCH 290: Archaeological Methods
Three additional archaeology courses. Students who are interested in a minor should consult with the department.
Suggested curricular flow through the major
The Archeology major is designed to introduce students to archeological methods and theories used by archeologists across the globe and to help students gain greater, more in-depth experience in one of two areas. Students who choose to pursue Area A of the major focus on Mediterranean Archaeology. Students who choose to pursue Area B of the major focus on Anthropological Archaeology of the Americas and other world regions as well as Environmental Archaeology. Students are encouraged to explore both areas of study in coursework and in field experiences.
These guidelines suggest courses to take each year rather than specifying a required sequence. Students can tailor these guidelines to their circumstances in discussions with an Archaeology faculty member.
First Year
ANTH 100, Introduction to Biological Anthropology (usually offered in the Fall)
ARCH 110, Archaeology and World Prehistory (usually offered in the Spring)
Any 100- or 200-level electives in Area A or B
GEOS 151, Foundations of Earth Science
Sophomore Year
ANTH 100, Introduction to Biological Anthropology or GEOS 151, Foundations of Earth Science (if not taken in First Year)
ARCH 110, Archaeology and World Prehistory (if not taken in First Year)
ARCH electives within chosen Area A or Area B Concentration
ARCH 290: Archaeological Methods (usually offered in the Fall only)
Summer Practical Experience
Junior Year
Study Abroad (one or two semesters) can fulfill electives for Area A or Area B, with departmental approval
ARCH electives within Area A or Area B
ARCH 300, Archaeological Theory and Interpretation (Fall only)
Summer Practical Experience (additional if already done the previous summer)
Senior Year
Complete electives within Area A or Area B
ARCH 300, Archaeological Theory and Interpretation (if not taken in Junior Year; Fall only)
ARCH 400, Senior Colloquium (Spring only)
Independent study and independent research
Independent studies are available. Any independent study must involve an interdisciplinary research topic in Archaeology. No more than two independent studies may be counted toward the major. Topic proposal and program of work must be approved by the instructor.
Independent research leading to Honors in the Major or student/faculty collaborative research may be undertaken with one of the contributing departments.
Honors
Honors may be granted in Archaeology for a two-semester project that results in a well-researched, sophisticated, finely crafted thesis within the range of sixty to one hundred pages. Students are self-selected but acceptance as an Honors candidate is based on the judgment of the department faculty and their assessment of the student's academic ability and potential for successfully completing the project. They will work closely with one advisor but will receive guidance and resources from other members of the department. Only the best projects will be granted Honors, but any student who completes the project will receive credit for the two semesters of independent study.
Opportunities for off-campus study
Field experience in archaeology is an important component of the Archaeology major/minor. We encourage participation in summer archaeological field schools, museum internships, and other hands-on research opportunities. The Field/Lab Requirement ensures that all Archaeology majors have an opportunity to experience archaeological field work, laboratory research, or museum work first-hand, domestically or abroad. This may come through field work/study abroad programs carried out by Dickinson faculty, or by approved opportunities through other institutions. Information about and approval of eligible field schools should be sought through the student’s advisor.
Ancient & Modern Foreign Languages
At least two semesters of Latin or ancient Greek are required for those choosing the Classical Art and Archaeology area emphasis. Recommended modern foreign languages include any of the following: Spanish, German, French, Modern Greek, or Italian. Four semester courses of a recommended ancient or modern foreign language may be counted collectively as one (maximum allowed) of the four elective courses toward the Archaeology Major.
Co-curricular activities/programs
Archaeology Club
The Archaeology Club meets weekly to discuss topics in archaeology and to plan activities related to archaeology. Past activities have included campus events for International Archaeology Day (mock excavations and artifact analysis), flint knapping and atlatl experiments, cooking ancient recipes, ceramic workshops, movie nights, and visits to museum exhibits in nearby cities (Philadelphia, Washington DC, etc.)
Anthropology and Archaeology Majors Committee
Majors can join the Majors Committee, which is a student organizing arm of the department. Students on the majors committee help interview job candidates; contribute to discussions about the department and the majors; contribute to faculty reviews; and organize special programming, activities, and events with the department. Students who join the majors committee tend to care about the department and their experiences at Dickinson and want to help make these experiences and the department even better.
Human Cultures House
The department helps to support a Special Interest House for Anthropology and Archaeology Majors. Students living in the house study together and bring classroom and campus discussions about human cultures to their living spaces. The house also hosts BBQs and events with students and faculty.
Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) Lectures
Dickinson College hosts one or two AIA lectures each year. The lectures are given by distinguished archaeologists working around the world on a variety of major topics in the field. In addition to attending the lectures, students often have an opportunity to meet the speaker during an informal gathering. Students learn about the guests' research and teaching and can ask questions about opportunities for research and practical experience.
Courses
110 Archaeology and World Prehistory
Archaeology is the primary means by which we decipher human prehistory. Using archaeology as a guide we will start with the origins of culture from its rudimentary beginnings nearly 4 million years ago, follow the migrations of hunters and gatherers, explore the first farming villages and eventually survey the complex urban civilizations of the Old and New Worlds. We will examine the development of technology, economic and social organization through the lens of archaeological techniques and discoveries throughout the world.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 110.
Attributes: Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP), Food Studies Elective, Global Diversity, Social Sciences
120 Greek Art & Archaeology
A general introduction to the art and archaeology of ancient Greece from Prehistoric to Hellenistic times: Bronze Age civilizations (Cycladic, NE Aegean and Trojan, Minoan, Helladic/Mycenaean); Protogeometric, Geometric, Archaeic, Classical, and Hellenistic Greece. A survey of architecture (temple, secular, funerary), sculpture, vase-painting, monumental painting, metalwork, and minor arts of these periods, both on mainland Greece and in the Greek colonies (Asia Minor, Pontus, Syria, Phoenice, Egypt, S. Italy and Sicily); comparative study of typological, iconographical, stylistic, and technical aspects and developments; styles and schools, regional trends. Historical contextualization of ancient Greek art and brief consideration of socio-economic patterns, political organization, religion, and writing. Evaluation of the ancient Greek artistic legacy and contribution to civilization. Field trips to archaeological collections and Museums.
This course is cross-listed as CLST 221. Offered every fall.
Attributes: ARCH -Mediterranean Arch Elect, ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
130 Roman Art and Archaeology
A general introduction to the art and archaeology of the Roman world from the Late Republic to the 4th century AD. A survey of architecture (temple, public, domestic, palatial, funerary), monumental painting, sculpture, metalwork, and minor arts of these periods in Italy and the rest of the Roman world; particular emphasis on Rome, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Ostia, Greece/Asia Minor, and North Africa. Comparative study of typological, iconographical, stylistic, and technical aspects and developments; regional trends and foreign influences. Historical and cultural contextualization of Roman art and architecture with consideration of socio-economic patterns, political developments, religion, and writing.
This course is cross-listed as CLST 224. Offered occasionally.
Attributes: ARCH -Mediterranean Arch Elect, ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
200 Selected Topics in Archaeology
Courses offered on an occasional basis that cover special periods, methods or topics in archaeology not dealt with in the rest of the curriculum.
Prerequisite: course in arts, humanities or social sciences, depending upon topic.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARCH Area B Elective
202 Reality, Idealism, Beauty, and Power: Topics in the Art & Architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome
How can we understand the representation of reality, idealism, beauty, and power in the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome through studying their art and architecture? How can these issues in ancient art illuminate our understanding of the visual and structural expression of human experience? In this course, we will examine major monuments in painting, sculpture, and architecture in both cultures from a variety of interpretive perspectives through which they have been addressed in primary sources and scholarly literature. Students will study and analyze textual, art-historical, and archaeological “readings” of these monuments and compare the strengths and weaknesses of the authors' arguments in terms of methodological approach and evidence. In addition, the authors' cultural assumptions, interpretive premises, and ideological goals (if any) will also be addressed in attempting to understand how these works of art have acquired a particular meaning over time and what constitutes that meaning. Students will also acquire competency in recognizing and analyzing diverse stylistic initiatives and their aesthetic significance.
This course is cross-listed as ARTH 202. Offered every year.
Attributes: ARCH -Mediterranean Arch Elect, ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Arts
206 Museum Studies
Introduces students to the history, theory, practice, and politics of American museums. The course examines museums’ historical relationships with colonization and considers issues of nationalism, audience accessibility, curatorial activism, and social justice initiatives in the US. Case studies consider controversies and changes in museums, including: the creation of national museums, artists as activists, censorship and the culture wars, and art and identity politics, specifically how gender, race, class, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, feminism, and disability might determine inclusion in or access to exhibitions. This course is open to all students and is especially relevant to those studying the arts, history, archaeology, American Studies, and public policy.
This course is cross-listed as ARTH 206. Offered every year.
Attributes: Arts
210 Epics and Empires: Art and Archaeology of the Mediterranean Bronze Age
The Mediterranean Bronze Age (3300-1200 BCE) was a time of intense connectivity and interaction. Long-distance trade connected the eastern Mediterranean to Africa and Asia, diplomatic alliances shaped regional politics, early writing facilitated the beginnings of epic literature, and vast empires emerged around capital cities, ruled by royal households and powerful religious figures. After 2000 years of innovation and prosperity, this complex world fell apart in just a few decades—a drastic collapse still fiercely debated by archaeologists. This course considers the archaeology of an interconnected Bronze Age, including the cultures of ancient Egypt, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, the Levant, and the Aegean. A comparative approach highlights the shared characteristics of these early empires and the important exchange of objects and ideas between some of the most well-known cultures of the ancient world.
Attributes: ARCH -Mediterranean Arch Elect, ARCH Area A Elective, ARTH Ancient Art, Appropriate for First-Year, Arts
218 Geographic Information Systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful technology for managing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data and geographically-referenced information. It is used in a wide variety of fields including archaeology, agriculture, business, defense and intelligence, education, government, health care, natural resource management, public safety, transportation, and utility management. This course provides a fundamental foundation of theoretical and applied skills in GIS technology that will enable students to investigate and make reasoned decisions regarding spatial issues. Utilizing GIS software applications from Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), students work on a progression of tasks and assignments focused on GIS data collection, manipulation, analysis, output, and presentation. The course will culminate in a final, independent project in which the students design and prepare a GIS analysis application of their own choosing.
Three hours per week. This course is cross-listed as ENST 218 , GEOS 218 and GISP 218.
Attributes: ARCH Area A Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, Biology Elective, ENST Foundations (ESFN), Quantitative Reasoning, Sustainability Connections
260 Environmental Archaeology
The study of the human past requires knowledge of the biological and geophysical systems in which cultures developed and changed. This course explores past environments and the methods and evidence used to reconstruct them. Emphasis is on the integration of geological, botanical, zoological, and bioarchaeological data used to reconstruct Quaternary climates and environments.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 260. Offered every two years.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, ARCH-Arch, Anth & Environment, ENST Society (ESSO), Food Studies Elective, Global Diversity, Social Sciences
261 Archaeology of North America
This course reviews Pre-Columbian landscapes north of Mesoamerica. We consider topics including the timing and process of the initial peopling of the continent, food production, regional systems of exchange, development of social hierarchies, environmental adaption and the nature of initial colonial encounters between Europeans and Native Americans. These questions are addressed primarily by culture area and region.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 261. Offered every two years.
Attributes: AMST Struct & Instit Elective, ARCH Area B Elective, ARCH-Arch, Anth & Environment, Social Sciences, US Diversity
262 South American Archaeology
This course examines the development of prehistoric societies in the South American continent through archaeological data. This course will explore the interactions of culture, economics, and politics in the prehistory of two major regions: the western Andean mountains and Pacific coast, and the eastern lowlands focusing on the Amazon River basin and Atlantic coast. In addition to learning the particular developments in each region, we will address three overarching themes: 1)What role did the environment play in shaping socio-political developments? 2) What influence do ethnographic and ethno-historical sources have on the interpretation of pre-Hispanic societies in South America? 3) What were the interactions between highland and lowland populations, and what influence did they have (if any) on their respective developments?
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 262 and LALC 262.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective, ARCH-Arch, Anth & Environment, Appropriate for First-Year, ENST Env Stud Spec (ESSP), Global Diversity, Lat Am, Latinx, Carib St Elect, Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, SPAN/PORT Elective, Social Sciences, Sustainability Connections
290 Archaeological Methods
This course focuses on archaeological field and laboratory methods through readings, lectures, and hands-on experiences and the data these practices generate. It will cover the essential field methods employed in archaeological survey (pedestrian, aerial, and geophysical) and excavation. This will include the fundamentals of documentation including note-taking, drawing, photography, and map-making. It will also introduce how archaeologists organize and analyze the large quantities and wide range of data recovered in these processes with particular attention to the use of computer databases, especially Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It will provide a general overview of different types of laboratory analysis including lithics, ceramics, metals, plant and animal remains, and discuss the available dating methods. Students will have the opportunity to practice many of the field and lab methods in the Simulated Excavation Field (SEF), and, when available, archaeological sites in the Cumberland Valley. Through these experiences and interactions with a range of archaeological datasets, students will learn how the archaeological record is formed and what its patterns can teach us about ancient human livelihoods. Finally, students will learn to synthesize and present the results of field and laboratory research in reports, a critical genre of writing in the discipline.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 290. Prerequisites: Any ARCH course at 100- or 200-level.
Attributes: ANTH Research in Anthro Course, Writing in the Discipline
300 Archaeological Theory and Interpretation
This course explores the concepts and theories archaeologists employ to develop interpretations about and reconstructions of past societies. It examines the history of archaeological inquiry from amateur collecting to a profession and science dedicated to the systematic discovery and analysis of material remains and their interpretation. It will explore different traditions of archaeological inquiry particularly in Europe and the study of Classical archaeology and in the Americas with its roots in anthropology. Students will become conversant with contemporary trends in archaeological theory in both areas from evolutionary, ecological, and systems theory perspectives to agent-based approaches that consider gender, power, and daily practices in shaping past societies. Finally, students will engage with pertinent ethical issues surrounding archaeological patrimony.
Prerequisite: ARCH 290. This course is cross-listed as ANTH 300. Offered every Fall.
Attributes: Social Sciences, Writing in the Discipline
318 Advanced Applications in GIS
The course is intended as a continuation of the introductory course on Geographic Information Systems, 218, and will concentrate on more advanced discussions and techniques related to spatial analysis and GIS project design. The main focus of the course will be on using higher-level GIS methods to investigate and analyze spatial problems of varying complexity; however, the specific project and topical applications will vary depending on student interests. Students will be required to develop and complete an individual spatial analysis project that incorporates advanced GIS techniques.
Prerequisite: 218 or ENST 218 or GEOS 21 8 or GISP 218 or equivalent GIS experience. Three hours of classroom per week. This course is cross-listed as ENST 318, GEOS 318 & GISP 318. Offered every two years.
Attributes: Biology Elective, ENST Applications (ESAP), Quantitative Econ Elective, Sustainability Connections
345 Advanced Topics in Archaeology
Courses offered on an occasional basis exploring thematic, theoretically informed topics not otherwise given in-depth coverage within the Archaeology curriculum, such as food and foodways, archaeology and nationalism, urban archaeology.
Pre-requisites: Dependent upon topic.
395 Archaeological Field Studies
Application of the fundamentals of archaeological survey, excavation and the laboratory processing and cataloging of artifacts.
This course is cross-listed as ANTH 395.
Attributes: ARCH Area B Elective
400 Senior Colloquium
This course for senior archaeology majors, offered every spring, explores the latest themes and seminal publications shaping the discipline. Common readings are selected based on recent scholarship and student interests. These ideas then inform individual capstone projects designed around student-selected research topics. Research projects may include the analysis of archaeological data and other relevant primary sources to form new interpretations as well as the communication of scholarly research to non-academic audiences.
Prerequisite: 300.
495 Senior Thesis
Senior archaeology majors who qualify with a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher by the end of the junior year and are approved by the department as honors candidates can take this course during the spring semester of their senior year. This course involves writing a senior thesis based on original research such as fieldwork or laboratory research substantively beyond what students complete in ARCH 400, and the thesis is the primary consideration for departmental honors.
Prerequisite: 400.