This course is an introduction to prehistoric archaeology providing a overview of methods and techniques of excavation and laboratory analysis and a brief survey of theory in relation to change and diversity in prehistoric human groups.
Course Outcomes
- Categorize and evaluate the cultural and environmental processes which shape the archaeological record.
- Demonstrate and compare the major methods used by archaeologists in the field and in the laboratory to discover, excavate, date and interpret human cultural materials. Be able to evaluate the validity and usefulness of the various methods with relationship to actual sites.
- Examine the major explanatory concepts and theories in archaeology, and analyze how they are used to develop an understanding of development, change and diversity in prehistoric human groups.
- Analyze examples from specific areas with an emphasis on Hawai‘i to explore how archaeology has been used/misused to develop scientific and popular views of prehistory.
- Examine and evaluate major issues in Hawai‘i in modern archaeology, especially as they Cultural Resource Management.
- Discuss the ethical, legal and social implication of archaeological work especially in relation to NAGPRA and how these issues relate to current debates in Hawai‘i.