Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - ARCH 340 D100

Zooarchaeology (5)

Class Number: 5753

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2020
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Christina Giovas
    cgiovas@sfu.ca
    TBA
    Office: SWH 9107
    Office Hours: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    ARCH 201.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the study of animal remains from archaeological sites. Coverage of the major concepts and methods used in the study of animal remains and detailed practical coverage of the vertebrate skeleton.

COURSE DETAILS:

Zooarchaeology is the study of past human-animal relationships through the analysis of animal remains and the cultural contexts of animal use and depiction. This course integrates training in the technical aspects of faunal studies with the principles and methodologies employed by zooarchaeologists to interpret the archaeofaunal record. Topics include hunting and subsistence, domestication, trade, the socio-symbolic and ritual roles of animals, assemblage formation (taphonomy), paleoecology, and conservation biology applications.  

The class is divided between lectures and an intensive laboratory component. Students should be prepared to spend at least 2-3 hours in the lab outside of scheduled class time. Lab exercises provide hands-on experience working with vertebrate and invertebrate (exo)skeletons. Emphasis is placed on mammals, birds, fish, and molluscs from the Americas.

Grading

  • Lab Quizzes 25%
  • Practical Lab Exercises 15%
  • Zooarchaeology Report 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Broughton, J.M. and S.D. Miller. 2016. Zooarchaeology and Field Ecology: A Photographic Atlas. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press.
ISBN: 978-1-6078-1485-6

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://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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS