Time Schedule:
J.Ben Fitzhugh
ARCHY 520
Seattle Campus
Review of principles of archaeological theory. Student presentation of research on archaeological theory and seminar discussion or presentations. Open only to first-year graduate students in anthropology.
Class description
Expanded discussions of archaeological research problems, theoretical approaches, model building, hypothesis formation, and data selection. Students examine a research question of broad relevance such as the evolution of inequality or processes of technological change. A variety of theoretical frameworks are examined for insights into the problem. Students then develop a hypothetical model and select an archaeological sequence appropriate to testing the model. Students come away from this class with a better understanding of how to conduct problem oriented research. This class is designed to help graduate students move from the abstract training of the first two years of study towards the formulation of dissertation research.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Class is conducted as a seminar with student discussions of readings and presentations on stages of research. Lecturing is interspersed in discussions.
Recommended preparation
The introductory sequence of Archaeological Method and Theory (Archy 497 and 570 plus several core methodological courses, 480, 481, 482, 483, and/or 485)
Class assignments and grading
a fair amount of reading, class presentation of readings, preparation and delivery of in-class presentations (2 times), and a final research paper.
Class participation, two presentations, and final paper
