Spring 2026 - ARCH 388 D100
Geoarchaeology (4)
Class Number: 4487
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Eric Guiry
eguiry@sfu.ca
1 778 782-3365
Office Hours: Check CANVAS
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Prerequisites:
ARCH 285 or a minimum of 12 units from any program.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces the concept of archaeological sites as active constituents in natural Quaternary land-forming and land-altering systems. Lectures will focus on all processes which may have contributed to the present geomorphological contexts of archaeological sites and their sedimentary and pedological contents. Students with credit for ARCH 438 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course introduces the concept of archaeological sites as active constituents in natural Quaternary land-forming and land-altering systems. Lectures will focus on all processes which may have contributed to the present geomorphological contexts of archaeological sites and their sedimentary and pedological contents. Students with credit for ARCH 438 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course is intended to provide a broad understanding of:1. The geological environments, landforms, deposits, materials, and processes associated with the formation and transformation of archaeological sites;
2. The composition and archaeological significance of anthropogenic sediments;
3. The analytical principles and techniques used to examine the geological aspects of archaeological investigations.
The class format will include lectures, labs, and instrumentation demonstrations.
Grading
- Midterm 25%
- Labs 25%
- Term presentation 25%
- Term paper 25%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Goldberg, P., Macphail, R. I., Carey, C., & Zhuang, Y. (2022). Practical and Theoretical Geoarchaeology (2nd ed.). Wiley
ISBN: 9781119413196
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.