Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - ARCH 285 D100

Archaeological Science (4)

Class Number: 1013

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 12, 2018
    Thu, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Francesco Berna
    fberna@sfu.ca
    778.782.9674
    Office: EDB 9613
    Office Hours: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    One of ARCH 100, ARCH 201, BISC 101, CHEM 111, CHEM 121, EVSC 100, GEOG 111, PHYS 101 or PHYS 120.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces scientific techniques used for archaeological investigations. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is intended to introduce students to the scientific approach and analytical techniques used in archaeological investigations. The study of ancient societies and human-environment interactions has been transformed in recent years by the application of physics, chemistry, biology, earth and materials sciences principles and the use of analytical techniques drawn from the natural sciences and engineering. Morphological and genetic studies of human and biological remains and chemical-physical analysis of the material culture provide new insights into past human knowledge, ideology, activities and the conditions in which ancient people lived. Lectures will cover introductive concepts on scientific approach (e.g., hypothesis generation and evaluation), principles and applications of commonly used analytical techniques, and several case studies from different archaeological periods and regions. At the end of the course, students should be able to understand archaeological scientific literature and evaluate data critically. 

Grading

  • Midterm 15%
  • Midterm II 15%
  • Assignments (5) 30%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Participation 10%

NOTES:

Breadth: Science/Quantitative

Prerequisite: Any one of ARCH 100, ARCH 201, EVSC 100, BISC 101, CHEM 111, CHEM 121, PHYS 101, PHYS 120, or permission of insructor.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Gilberto Artioli. 2010. Scientific Methods and Cultural Heritage. An Introduction to the Application of Materials Science to Archaeometry and Conservation Science. Oxford University Press.

ISBN: 978-0-1995-4826-2

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Students with Disabilities (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability.


Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS