Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - ARCH 376 D100

Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (4)

Class Number: 6210

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 101 or ARCH 201, and any one of ARCH 285, GEOG 251, PSYC 210, STAT 101, STAT 201, STAT 203, or STAT 205.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Theory, method, and operation of the application of statistical techniques to the description, classification, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological data. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines theory, method, and operation of quantitative techniques used in the description, classification, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological data. The course stresses exploratory data analysis and graphical pattern recognition techniques. The main objectives of the course are: to provide the background necessary for informed, critical reading of quantitative archaeological literature; to provide the background needed for designing research projects that will generate data that can be productively analyzed using quantitative methods; and to teach the use of computers in managing and analyzing archaeological data. Major topics to be covered include:

1. Measurement Theory
2. Quantifying Archaeological Objects
3. Graphing Data
4. Descriptive Statistics
5. Statistical Inference
6. Students T Test
7. Chi-squared Test
8. Kolmogorov-Smimov Test
9. Diversity Analysis
10. Principal Component Analysis

The course will require a substantial commitment of time, including extensive use of computers in campus facilities (or at home).

Grading

  • Assignments (4) 40%
  • Quizzes (3) 30%
  • Term Project 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Quantifying Archaeology (2nd edition), 1997, Stephen Shennan, Edinburgh University Press.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) 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:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.