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Introduction to Archaeology

Knowing The Past

Molly Morgan

This course is an introduction to a series on the discipline of Archaeology. It is intended for learners at all stages, including advanced high school, college students, or life-long learners. Basic information about Archaeology and its history are presented in this course, while the following three courses cover scientific methods, forms of interpretation, and contemporary social issues that archaeologists engage with.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Knowing The Past
Welcome to Introduction to Knowing The Past! Learn from experienced archaeologists about the science behind archaeological research and the tools used to interpret the past. Discover how archaeology contributes to our understanding of the world today. By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation in the principles of archaeology. Join us on this exciting journey through the fascinating world of archaeology!
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Background Information About The Discipline of Archaeology
Hey there! Are you curious about how we learn about the past? In this course, you'll meet archaeologists from all over the world and learn how they use scientific techniques to help us draw conclusions about what life was like for people in the past. We will also Learn about Archaeology's role in Anthropology, past approaches, and more. Come join us on this exciting journey!
Coursera Series Overview
Welcome to Knowing the Past, Rice University's the Overview! In this module, we'll provide important general background information on archaeology and help you get set up for success as you move through the following three courses. These courses cover Archaeology as Science, Archaeology as Reconstruction of the Past, and Archaeology as Activism. While we recommend taking them in order, you have the option to take them individually. By the end of the series, you'll have a comprehensive overview of what archaeology is today, and we'll provide you with resources to help you navigate the rest of the series. Let's get started!
The Final Dig ⛏️
Hello there! The Final Dig ⛏️ is the last module of each course, where you get to put all of your skills and knowledge into practice. It includes a discussion, a final assessment, a graded Peer Review self-evaluation, and a closing video. It's a moment of truth and an excellent opportunity to showcase your learning. You've done a fantastic job so far, and I'm sure you'll do great on the Final Dig ⛏️!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches basics in preparation for later courses, which is helpful for building a strong foundation in the discipline
Introduces learners to archaeological research, tools, and methods, which prepares them for further exploration in the field
Suitable for learners at various stages, from high school students to those with advanced knowledge, which makes it accessible to a wide audience
Provides background information on the discipline of archaeology, its history, and its role in anthropology, which lays a solid foundation for understanding the field
Emphasizes the scientific nature of archaeology, which ensures that learners gain a rigorous understanding of the discipline
Covers a range of topics within archaeology, including knowing the past, archaeological methods, and contemporary social issues, which provides a comprehensive overview of the field

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Introduction to Archaeology: Knowing The Past. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Archaeology: Knowing The Past 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 provides a solid foundation in the principles of archaeology, which would be helpful for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this field.
Museum curator
Museum curators are responsible for planning and managing museum collections. This course would provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in working in a museum setting.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This course would provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in anthropology.
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for managing and preserving historical records. This course would provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in archival science.
Historian
Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. This course would provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in history.
Teacher
Teachers help people learn. This course would provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in teaching.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. This course would provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in law.
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and publish news stories. This course would provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in journalism.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. This course would provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in library science.
Data Analyst
Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course would provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in data analysis.
Business Analyst
Business analysts help organizations improve their performance. This course would provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in business analysis.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts help businesses make investment decisions. This course would provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in financial analysis.
Management Consultant
Management consultants help organizations improve their performance. This course would provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in management consulting.
Sales Manager
Sales managers lead and motivate sales teams. This course may provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in sales.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers develop and implement marketing campaigns. This course may provide a helpful overview of the field of archaeology, which would be beneficial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in marketing.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Archaeology: Knowing The Past.
Provides an introduction to the major theoretical perspectives in archaeology.
Provides an overview of the archaeological evidence for the relationship between humans and animals.

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