Historical Archaeology - ANTH 188 OL1 - Course Syllabus
Content
Anthropology 188 - Historical Archaeology
Summer 1, 2012 Three Credit Hours Andrew R. Beaupré University of Vermont Department of Anthropology [email protected] AOL Online Office Hours: T-Th 7:00-8:30 Or by appointment
Course Summary and Goals This course presents an overview of the archaeological sub-field of historical archaeology. The course examines how archaeologists study the historical period (from European Contact to the present) in North America. This course does assume some basic understanding of archaeology and anthropology, as would be gained in Anth 21 Human Cultures and/or Anth 24 Prehistoric Archaeology. If you have not taken these classes or would like a refresher refer to the readings in the supplemental resources folder, in the course menu, on the left side of the page. Through the use of the text book, published articles, images, documents, and video clips we will explore field, lab, and archival research methods, introduction to material culture studies, current contributions to the field, and future directions for the study of the recent past. This aim is to provide you with an understanding of the scope of the field and its contributions to understanding the American experience. Archaeology for the sake of digging up neat treasures is a thing of the past! Historical archaeologists use trash to tell the story of the lost masses of history. This course will explore some of the ways in which historical archaeologists use past material culture (trash) to understand the context of colonialism, capitalism and modernity. Historical archaeologists are uniquely well positioned to understand how these and other global processes (e.g. immigration, industrialization, and environmental degradation). These concepts and processes have shaped the America we all know. Through the use of case studies, we will examine various events, processes, settings or institutions that were significant in the formation of the American experience. Barbara Little will be our guide for the beginning of our journey into historical archaeology. We will then examine a number of topics in the field (e.g. race, gender, conflict, urban life, landscapes, ideology, identity) and reflect on how they inform our understanding of culture.
Objectives Through readings, discussions boards and term paper, students will gain an anthropological understanding of: How archaeologists have interpreted the material culture associated with the modern world, some of the theories, models, and methods that have been used in the study of the history of the peoples who have fallen below the documentary threshold (the "people without history") and their role in local and global history, and How to think and communicate like an archaeologist, through the writing of an archaeological review article. The role that historical archaeology can play in examining the events, processes, settings, and institutions that were significant in the formative experience of contemporary America.
Required Texts There is one required text for this class Little, Barbara J 2007 Historical Archaeology: Why the Past Matters. Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, California The balance of the assigned material will be available on the course blackboard page.
Communication Expectations and Policies: Classroom Environment Expectations/"Netiquette" guidelines Please remember that though this class does not meet in a physical classroom, the online environment is still a college classroom. While on the discussion boards students are expected to treat each other and the instructor with respect, as you would in a classroom setting. Please use proper English in all communication. Online abbr. ie, LOL, TTYL and BRB will not be tolerated. The online environment provides a certain amount of anonymity that some suggest may be beneficial to learning. You may be more likely to offer your opinions if your classmates are not staring at you! Remember that though you may be faceless to each other, the anonymity does not extend to the professor and you will be held accountable for inappropriate behavior.
Assignment Descriptions Grading Policy The grading breakdown will be as follows Discussion Posts Discussion Post Responses Term Paper Assignments
Ideas email Final paper topic email Paper title and abstract Annotated Bibliography Rough Draft Final Draft (10 points) (20 Points) (30 Points) (100 points) (100 points) (200 points) 450 points total Grand Total 1000 points Six 250 word posts, 50 points each 20 points each 300 points total 240 points total
Twelve 100 word responses to your classmates posts
Grading System 966-1000 A+ 933-965 A 900-932 A866-899 B+ 833-865 B 800-833 B766-799 C+ 733-765 C 700-732 C666-699 D+ 633-665 D 600-632 D0-599 F
The Fine Print Should you need to get in contact with Anthropology Department: email:[email protected] Telephone: 802-656-3884 All contact information is also listed on the department website. The department secretary will know where I am should you need to contact me immediately in an emergency Communications: An answer can be expected to any email in 24 hours. If I am away from my office, or internet capabilities for any extended period of time each student will be informed via email. Student Learning Accommodations: If you have a formal accommodation plan developed in conjunction with UVMs ACCESS Office or would like to discuss the supports that you need in order to learn well in this class, please contact me in the beginning of the semester. Adaptations and instructional supports are available through consultation with the instructor and the ACCESS Office. ACCESS Office: www.uvm.edu/~access/ UVM's policy on disability certification and student support: www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/disability.pdf Late Assignments Do to the intensity of this course; all assignments must be completed on time. Please budget your time wisely, "stay on the ball", this will be a busy six weeks. However, unforeseen circumstances do have a tendency to arise. If you find yourself unable to complete and assignment, please email me as soon as possible. As long as I have given you the ok, late work will be accepted, though at a diminished grade value, 10% for each day late. If you do not contact me ahead of time, late work will not be accepted. Religious Holidays Students have the right to practice the religion of their choice. If you need to miss class to observe a religious holiday, please submit the dates of your absence to me in writing by the end of the second full week of classes. You will be permitted to make up work within a mutually agreed-upon time. Academic Integrity The policy addresses plagiarism, fabrication, collusion, and cheating. www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/acadintegrity.pdf Grade Appeals If you would like to contest a grade, please follow the procedures outlined in this policy: www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/gradeappeals.pdf
Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities: www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/studentcode.pdf FERPA Rights Disclosure: The purpose of this policy is to communicate the rights of students regarding access to, and privacy of their student educational records as provided for in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/ferpa.pdf If you have any questions about the course, the best bet is always to contact me.
Summer 1, 2012 Three Credit Hours Andrew R. Beaupré University of Vermont Department of Anthropology [email protected] AOL Online Office Hours: T-Th 7:00-8:30 Or by appointment
Course Summary and Goals This course presents an overview of the archaeological sub-field of historical archaeology. The course examines how archaeologists study the historical period (from European Contact to the present) in North America. This course does assume some basic understanding of archaeology and anthropology, as would be gained in Anth 21 Human Cultures and/or Anth 24 Prehistoric Archaeology. If you have not taken these classes or would like a refresher refer to the readings in the supplemental resources folder, in the course menu, on the left side of the page. Through the use of the text book, published articles, images, documents, and video clips we will explore field, lab, and archival research methods, introduction to material culture studies, current contributions to the field, and future directions for the study of the recent past. This aim is to provide you with an understanding of the scope of the field and its contributions to understanding the American experience. Archaeology for the sake of digging up neat treasures is a thing of the past! Historical archaeologists use trash to tell the story of the lost masses of history. This course will explore some of the ways in which historical archaeologists use past material culture (trash) to understand the context of colonialism, capitalism and modernity. Historical archaeologists are uniquely well positioned to understand how these and other global processes (e.g. immigration, industrialization, and environmental degradation). These concepts and processes have shaped the America we all know. Through the use of case studies, we will examine various events, processes, settings or institutions that were significant in the formation of the American experience. Barbara Little will be our guide for the beginning of our journey into historical archaeology. We will then examine a number of topics in the field (e.g. race, gender, conflict, urban life, landscapes, ideology, identity) and reflect on how they inform our understanding of culture.
Objectives Through readings, discussions boards and term paper, students will gain an anthropological understanding of: How archaeologists have interpreted the material culture associated with the modern world, some of the theories, models, and methods that have been used in the study of the history of the peoples who have fallen below the documentary threshold (the "people without history") and their role in local and global history, and How to think and communicate like an archaeologist, through the writing of an archaeological review article. The role that historical archaeology can play in examining the events, processes, settings, and institutions that were significant in the formative experience of contemporary America.
Required Texts There is one required text for this class Little, Barbara J 2007 Historical Archaeology: Why the Past Matters. Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, California The balance of the assigned material will be available on the course blackboard page.
Communication Expectations and Policies: Classroom Environment Expectations/"Netiquette" guidelines Please remember that though this class does not meet in a physical classroom, the online environment is still a college classroom. While on the discussion boards students are expected to treat each other and the instructor with respect, as you would in a classroom setting. Please use proper English in all communication. Online abbr. ie, LOL, TTYL and BRB will not be tolerated. The online environment provides a certain amount of anonymity that some suggest may be beneficial to learning. You may be more likely to offer your opinions if your classmates are not staring at you! Remember that though you may be faceless to each other, the anonymity does not extend to the professor and you will be held accountable for inappropriate behavior.
Assignment Descriptions Grading Policy The grading breakdown will be as follows Discussion Posts Discussion Post Responses Term Paper Assignments
Ideas email Final paper topic email Paper title and abstract Annotated Bibliography Rough Draft Final Draft (10 points) (20 Points) (30 Points) (100 points) (100 points) (200 points) 450 points total Grand Total 1000 points Six 250 word posts, 50 points each 20 points each 300 points total 240 points total
Twelve 100 word responses to your classmates posts
Grading System 966-1000 A+ 933-965 A 900-932 A866-899 B+ 833-865 B 800-833 B766-799 C+ 733-765 C 700-732 C666-699 D+ 633-665 D 600-632 D0-599 F
The Fine Print Should you need to get in contact with Anthropology Department: email:[email protected] Telephone: 802-656-3884 All contact information is also listed on the department website. The department secretary will know where I am should you need to contact me immediately in an emergency Communications: An answer can be expected to any email in 24 hours. If I am away from my office, or internet capabilities for any extended period of time each student will be informed via email. Student Learning Accommodations: If you have a formal accommodation plan developed in conjunction with UVMs ACCESS Office or would like to discuss the supports that you need in order to learn well in this class, please contact me in the beginning of the semester. Adaptations and instructional supports are available through consultation with the instructor and the ACCESS Office. ACCESS Office: www.uvm.edu/~access/ UVM's policy on disability certification and student support: www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/disability.pdf Late Assignments Do to the intensity of this course; all assignments must be completed on time. Please budget your time wisely, "stay on the ball", this will be a busy six weeks. However, unforeseen circumstances do have a tendency to arise. If you find yourself unable to complete and assignment, please email me as soon as possible. As long as I have given you the ok, late work will be accepted, though at a diminished grade value, 10% for each day late. If you do not contact me ahead of time, late work will not be accepted. Religious Holidays Students have the right to practice the religion of their choice. If you need to miss class to observe a religious holiday, please submit the dates of your absence to me in writing by the end of the second full week of classes. You will be permitted to make up work within a mutually agreed-upon time. Academic Integrity The policy addresses plagiarism, fabrication, collusion, and cheating. www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/acadintegrity.pdf Grade Appeals If you would like to contest a grade, please follow the procedures outlined in this policy: www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/gradeappeals.pdf
Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities: www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/studentcode.pdf FERPA Rights Disclosure: The purpose of this policy is to communicate the rights of students regarding access to, and privacy of their student educational records as provided for in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/ferpa.pdf If you have any questions about the course, the best bet is always to contact me.
