INSTRUCTOR DESCRIPTION TEXT GRADING GOALS SCHEDULE

ANTH 352 LABORATORY METHODS IN ARCHEOLOGY Spring 2006 Fridays 1000-1350  HSS 106

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Robin L. Smith smithr@wou.edu Office: HSS 210B; phone: 838-8357 Hours : MTW 1300-1400, R 1300-1500

Note: If you have a disability that might require assistance or accomodations for any aspect of this course, please feel free to come and discuss this with me. You may also contact the Office of Disability Services, at 838-8250 V/TTY, for information about accessibility and accomodations.

People seem to lose all respect for the past; events succeed each other with such velocity that the most remarkable one of a few years gone by, is no more remembered than if centuries had closed over it. Marguerite Blessington 1836

Readings are reviewed at the beginning of each meeting. No more than one hour per week of reading/preparation outside of class is required. The primary basis for evaluation is the quality of work conducted during lab sessions: attention to instruction, care and consistency in recording data, and conscientious maintenance of the collection and lab. Collaborative, mutually supportive work is essential.

Each participant takes a turn keeping our lab log. Dated entries describe individual activities during each session, including periodic evaluations of progress, accomplishments, and areas needing attention.

Major goals for the team are defined during the first meeting; responsibilities are assigned according to abilities and interests. Only the most dire of emergencies should keep team members from attending each and every session ready to focus complete attention for the duration of the class.

My expectations are: perfect attendance; thoughtful preparation to discuss readings; efficient use of lab time; careful, conscientious handling of artifacts & records; patience and cooperation; contribution to a positive atmosphere in lab.

Grades are assigned according to the following scale: A = Excellent, B = Above average, C = Average. Only Excellent work is acceptable in this course.

• Students gain familiarity with the range of tasks undertaken in analysis of archeological collections.
• The inference of behavior from material culture is explored.
• Students learn how to manage provenience information using paper and digital data bases.
• The contrast between functional, technological and stylistic attributes is introduced.
• Students develop an understanding of attribute definition and typologies as they apply to a specific category of material culture.
• Information derived from excavation work is prepared for publication.