Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - ARCH 390 D100

Archaeobotany (4)

Class Number: 3675

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jun 30 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 101 or ARCH 201 and either ARCH 272/272W or 273.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the recovery and analysis of macroscopic archaeological plant remains. The major methodological and interpretive issues in archaeobotany will be covered, with an emphasis on plant domestication in selected regions of the world. Students who have taken ARCH 334 or ARCH 335 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an overview of the general principles, theory and methods of archaeobotany. Lectures will deal with theoretical and interpretive issues while laboratories will provide instruction in some field and laboratory techniques used in the retrieval, identification, analysis and interpretation of archaeological plant remains.

Grading

  • Research Paper or Flotation Project 25%
  • Mid-Term Lecture Exam 15%
  • Laboratory Quizzes (Quiz I, 15%; Quiz II, 15%; Quiz III, 10%) 40%
  • Final Lecture Take Home Exam 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Pearsall, D.M., 2015, Palaeoethnobotany, Third Edition, Left Coast Press. Other required readings will be taken from 2 books and a number of articles, all of which will be on reserve at the W.A.C. Bennet Library. A laboratory manual will be provided in-class.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.