Introduction to Archaeology : Archaeology as Science from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to "Archaeology as Science" course! Here, we'll explore how archaeologists use scientific methods to uncover the mysteries of the past. From excavation to remote sensing, we'll dive into the tools and techniques they use to reconstruct past behaviors and understand human settlement patterns. Join us on this fascinating journey into the world of archaeology!

The Science of Living Spaces

In "The Science of Living Spaces" module, we'll explore the history behind a plantation house built in the 1830s by enslaved people. Using historical documents and archaeology, we'll investigate the lives of those who lived and worked there, including the impact of the convict leasing system after emancipation. Join us to expand your knowledge of the past and honor their lives!

The Science of Environments

Hey there! Are you curious about how scientists uncover clues about past environments? Ever wonder what the world looked like thousands of years ago? If you answered yes, then you're in the right place! In this module, we'll explore the fascinating science of paleoenvironments and human ecology. Discover how archaeologists use various types of materials to reconstruct past environments, from ancient sediments to human artifacts. Get ready to delve into the mysteries of the past and learn about the incredible techniques used to unravel them!

The Science of The Human Diet

In this module, we'll explore the science of the human diet. We'll study ancient animal bones, biomolecules, and stable isotopes to understand how food has shaped our past. We'll also look at the cultural significance of food, from cooking to societal changes. As we investigate human diets, we'll find out how they relate to environmental shifts, population dynamics, and cultural evolution. We'll also discover how ancient people weathered climate change and adapted to new environments. From declines in human health associated with transitions to farming to the intricacies of daily life, the foods we eat can reveal a wealth of information about our ancestors. Finally, we'll explore how trade networks have moved plants, animals, and people across the world throughout history. So join us on this fascinating journey through the archaeology of human diets and discover how food has shaped our past and present.

The Science of Landscape 🏞️

Welcome to "The Science of Landscape," where we explore how landscape archaeology and settlement studies can help us better understand our shared history. From analyzing natural resources to shedding light on dynamic relationships between sites, we'll delve into the interdisciplinary methodologies that facilitate comprehensive analyses of large-scale data sets and spatial relationships. Let's enrich our understanding of past societies and the complex networks of influence that shaped human history!

The Science of Time

Hey there! Are you fascinated by the mysteries of the past? Do you ever wonder how archaeologists can accurately determine the age of artifacts? If so, then you're in for a treat! Welcome to "The Science of Time" - a module dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of chronologies and dating techniques used by archaeologists to unravel the secrets of our ancestors. From relative dating methods, which help us determine the order of materials in a sequence, to absolute dating techniques that assign specific dates to artifacts, this module will take you on a journey through the evolution of these scientific techniques. Get ready to uncover the secrets of stratigraphy, typological sequences, and more! Join us as we dive deep into the science of time and discover the incredible stories hidden within the artifacts of the past.

The Final Dig ⛏️

Hey there! It was great having you in Archaeology as Science, the second part of the Introduction to Archaeology specialization. Hope you enjoyed learning about excavation, geoarchaeology, landscape studies, dating techniques, and other kinds of research archaeologists engage in to investigate the past. Now that you know how datasets are built to record living spaces, entire landscapes, and the passing of time, it's time to take a step further. Our next course, Archaeology as Reconstruction of the Past, will be even more exciting as we learn about how archaeologists study identity through the remains of past foodways, how ancient people understood sacred spaces, and how we can learn about the transition to farming. These examples and more will be covered in the next course in the Knowing the Past series. I hope you'll join me for the next adventure in the fascinating world of archaeology!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers scientific methods commonly used by archaeologists, which is standard in archaeology

Taught by Molly Morgan, who are recognized for their work in the field of archaeology

Examines scientific methods commonly used by archaeologists, which is highly relevant in academia

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Archaeology : Archaeology as Science with these activities:

Read 'Introduction to Archaeology' by Colin Renfrew and Paul Bahn

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Gain a broad understanding of archaeology and its key concepts by reading this foundational text.

View Archaeology Essentials: Theories, Methods, and... on Amazon

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Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes on important concepts
Complete the review questions at the end of each chapter
Summarize the main arguments and findings of the book

Review basic archaeological field techniques

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Review the basics of archaeological field techniques to ensure you have a strong foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Archaeological Fieldwork

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Review textbooks and articles on archaeological fieldwork
Complete online tutorials on excavation techniques
Attend a workshop on field survey techniques

Create a digital notebook for your archaeological notes and readings

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Stay organized and reinforce your learning by creating a digital notebook for your archaeological notes and readings.

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Use a note-taking app or software to create a new notebook
Add sections for different topics covered in the course
Take notes during lectures and while reading assigned materials

Five other activities

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Volunteer at a local archaeological museum or excavation site

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Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the archaeological community by volunteering.

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Find a local archaeological museum or excavation site that offers volunteer opportunities
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer positions
Attend training and orientation sessions
Participate in archaeological activities under the supervision of experienced professionals

Discuss archaeological theories and methods with classmates

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Engage in peer discussions to deepen your understanding of archaeological theories and methods.

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Join a study group or online forum dedicated to archaeology
Participate in discussions on archaeological theories and methods
Share your own insights and perspectives

Learn how to use GIS for archaeology

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Enhance your ability to analyze spatial data by learning how to use GIS software.

Browse courses on Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

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Enroll in an online tutorial or workshop on GIS for archaeology
Follow the instructions and complete the exercises
Apply your newfound GIS skills to an archaeological project

Write a blog post about a recent archaeological discovery

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Demonstrate your understanding of archaeological research by writing a blog post about a recent discovery.

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Research a recent archaeological discovery
Write a blog post that explains the discovery in clear and concise language
Share your blog post with others

Participate in an archaeological research competition

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Test your skills and knowledge by participating in an archaeological research competition.

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Find an archaeological research competition to participate in
Develop a research proposal
Conduct your research and write a report
Submit your report to the competition

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Archaeology : Archaeology as Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Archaeologist

Archaeologists study past peoples and cultures by excavating and examining material remains. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by archaeologists, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help archaeologists to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by anthropologists, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help anthropologists to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past and present.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators are responsible for planning and managing environmental control over museum collections. They also conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of the institution. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used to preserve and study artifacts, which is essential for Museum Curators.

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Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's physical structure and history. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by geologists, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help geologists to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past.

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Soil Scientist

Soil Scientists study the soil and its properties. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by soil scientists, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help soil scientists to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past.

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Agronomist

Agronomists study the production of crops and soils. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by agronomists, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help agronomists to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and how it affects humans. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by environmental scientists, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help environmental scientists to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by historians, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help historians to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface and human activity on it. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by geographers, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help geographers to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past.

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Paleontologist

Paleontologists study the history of life on Earth by examining fossils. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by paleontologists, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help paleontologists to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past.

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Museum Technician

Museum Technicians assist museum curators with the preservation and display of museum collections. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by museum technicians, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help museum technicians to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past.

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Archaeological Technician

Archaeological Technicians assist archaeologists with the excavation and analysis of archaeological sites. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by archaeological technicians, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help archaeological technicians to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past.

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Research Assistant

Research Assistants assist researchers with the collection and analysis of data. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by research assistants, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help research assistants to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past.

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Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technicians assist scientists with the analysis of data and the preparation of scientific reports. This course can help build a foundation in the scientific methods used by laboratory technicians, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help laboratory technicians to better understand the behavior, lifeways, and settlement patterns of humans in the past.

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Teacher

Teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects. This course may be useful for teachers who are interested in teaching about archaeology. The course can help teachers to better understand the scientific methods used by archaeologists, such as excavation, remote sensing, and data analysis. This knowledge can help teachers to better engage their students in the study of archaeology.

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