HIST 620 Historical Archaeology

This course is a graduate level introduction to the sub-discipline of Historical Archeology. Students will explore theoretical, methodological, and thematic developments in historical archeology and examine how historical archaeologists use artifacts, historical documents, and other historical evidences in interpreting the past.

In the field of public history, understanding the history of archaeology is an indispensable foundation. This course provides a historical overview of the field as well as training in the interpretation of archaeological sources and data. 

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Class Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to submit discussion threads in response to the provided prompt listed in the discussion. The thread is due by Thursday of the assigned module. Each thread must be at least 750 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge whereby the student includes references and citations of course material. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 300 words and should engage in the thesis of the peers original thread, and should be submitted by Monday of the assigned module. Replies must add additional reference material beyond what was included in the original post. Replies should challenge the student’s peers’ theses by including ideas from course material or additional readings on related topics. Note: Before replying to a student with multiple replies, make sure all students have at least one dialogue partner for their original thread.

Video Discussion: Local Cemetery Exploration

The student is required to provide a video thread of his/her cemetery exploration. The student must appear in the video, which will help the class to get better acquainted with one another. Each video is to be 3.5 – 5 minutes in length and demonstrate course-related knowledge. The student will create a video thread in response to the special topic for each discussion. The video or a link (YouTube is recommended) must be submitted in the assigned discussion. The video should include references to any other sources of the material the student uses. With the permission of the instructor, government employees or military students may post their videos to Kaltura (the software we use to provide internal videos). Contact the professor should this be needed.

Vindolanda Analysis Assignment

Vindolanda is a World Heritage Site located in Northern England near Hadrian’s wall and a Roman military fort which guarded an important road before the construction of Hadrian’s Wall. One of the most amazing collection of artifacts from this site is known as the Vindolanda Tablets. In a short essay, the student will explain how these tablets have helped to preserve history and analyze the insights he/she has provided to the patient archaeological interpreter particularly interesting Roman history and forts, but also to those outside of this time and period. Demonstrate full range of proficiency and understanding of the significance of this find and the content herein.

Archaeological Site Proposal Assignment

The student will need to identify the name, location, and time period related to a chosen archaeological site that will become the basis for the research paper. The student will need to write 250 words giving the rationale for researching this site. The student must be sure to include a list of at least 5 bibliographic references (excluding the textbooks) in proper Turabian format.

Great Individuals of Archaeology Assignment

The student will write a summary of the contributions and discoveries of a list of archaeologists that have significantly influenced and contributed to the field. Each individual should be addressed by at least one well written paragraph. (This list is not exhaustive. It only highlights a few of the people that have contributed to archaeology, in one way or another, over the years.)

Cline Book Review Assignment

For this assignment, the student will assess the strengths and weaknesses of Three Stones Makes a Wall, by Eric H. Cline. The student must provide a thorough critique or analysis of the book’s main argument or theme, as well as an assessment of the book’s contribution to the field of archaeology in a 700–800-word review.

Museum of the Bible Assignment

The looting and illicit trade of artifacts is an epidemic all over the world. Graves, archives, museums, and sites are robbed and looted every day. The recent military conflicts in the Middle East have flooded the market with stolen artifacts from Iraq and Syria. After reviewing the material on what happened with some of the items purchased for the Museum of the Bible, the student will write a short response-essay of 500 – 750 words considering components of what there is to learn from this example. 

Archaeological Site Assignment

The research paper focuses on an archaeological site and its history as appropriate for this course. The student must have prior approval on his/her topic before submitting the final draft of the project. Only one person may work on any topic. The student must write no less than 2000 words pages of text in length and no more than 2500 (excluding bibliography, pictures, graphs, tables, etc.). This assignment should be printed on white paper in 12-point type, one-inch margins, and Double spaced (Turabian style). The student must use at least 2 periodical articles, 2 standard reference works, and 2 books besides the textbooks.