Classes

Please note: This page will be re-worked soon, as many of the course numbers and offerings are no longer correct.

Archaeology: Discovering Our Past

This course is an introduction to the fascinating world of archaeology designed as a detailed exploration of the methods used to learn about past human lifeways before written records. Each student will be involved in the process of discovering our past.

Note: Not recommended for archaeology majors

ARC 195 Cr. 3

Description coming soon

World Archaeology — The Story of Our Past

A survey course which examines the origin and development of human cultures from earliest Paleolithic times to the great ancient civilizations. An emphasis will be placed on how these evolutionary developments represent changing patterns of human adaptation to the social and natural environment.

ARC/HIS 204 Cr. 3

Ancient Literate Civilizations

An historical and archaeological study of ancient Eurasia and North Africa, including a survey of the major archaeological sites. Topics such as the development of urbanization in the Near East and Mediterranean, and comparative studies of the Indus civilization, China, Classical Greece, Rome, and the New World will be discussed. (Cross-listed with HIS; may only earn credit in ARC or HIS.)

North American Archaeology

An intensive survey of the prehistoric cultures of North America from the time of the initial peopling of the New World to the period of European contact. Major archaeological sites will be critically examined and an interdisciplinary approach will be stressed. There will be field trips to archaeological sites and/or museums. Prerequisite: ARC 200 recommended.

This introductory course provides a history of museums, their goals and methods, administration, curation and exhibit techniques. Participants will be taking field trips to museums. Prerequisite: ARC 200 recommended.

ARC/HIS 275 Cr. 3

Ancient Britain and Ireland

Exploration of the fascinating archaeological heritage of the British Isles and Ireland from the earliest Stone Age inhabitants to the end of the Roman Occupation. Prerequisite: ARC 200 and/or ARC/HIS 204 recommended. (Cross-listed with HIS; may only earn credit in ARC or HIS.)

ARC/ANT 285 Cr. 3

Archaeology of Mexico and Central America

This course offers the student an overview of the evolution of the civilizations of ancient Mesoamerica (Mexico and Central America) from the earliest stages of hunting and food gathering until the conquest of Mesoamerica by Spain in the early 16th century. The course describes the social and economic life as organized by a complex religion which produced human sacrifice, writing, calendrical systems, advanced art forms, iconography, and monument building activities. (Cross-listed with ANT; may only earn credit in ARC or ANT.)

ARC/ANT 304 Cr. 3

Hunter and Gatherer Societies

This course focuses on recent human societies throughout the world that have lived by hunting and gathering wild resources. The specific subsistence strategies of a wide range of hunter-gatherer groups are examined relative to their technology, social structure, territory, demography and interaction with food producers. The conclusion of this course will consider hunter-gatherers in prehistory. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; ARC 200 recommended. (Cross-listed with ANT; may only earn credit in ARC or ANT.)

ARC/ANT 305 Cr. 3

Indigenous Agricultural Societies: Past and Present

This course examines the origins, structure, social organization, and operation of indigenous agricultural societies. A central focus of the course is an inquiry based, sequential examination of geographically related couplets involving (1) contemporary indigenous agricultural tribal societies and (2) archaeological excavation reports. The utility of the ethnographic record as a guide to interpretation of the archaeological record is evaluated. Prerequisite: ARC 200 recommended. (Cross-listed with ANT; may only earn credit in ARC or ANT.)

Midwest Archaeology

This course will focus on the human occupation in the Midwest/Great Lakes region over the past 12,000 years. Emphasis will be given to the dynamic quality of cultural adaptation and social organization. The cultural developments leading to the Middle Woodland and Mississippi climaxes in the region are to be stressed. Prerequisite: ARC 200 recommended.

Prairie-Plains Archaeology

This survey of the Prairie-Plains examines cultural ecological adaptations, sociopolitical changes and continuities among Prairie and Plains Indians through time. Perspective from archeology, ethnology, history and contemporary literary sources are used to characterize human adaptation to the Prairie-Plains area and the impacts of Euro-American society on native peoples. Prerequisite: ARC 200 recommended.

Historical Archaeology

The focus of this course is historical archaeology. This discipline combines an archaeological evaluation of material remains from the historic past with an examination and analysis of historical sources. In the New World, historical archaeologists work on a broad range of sites that document early European settlement and its effects on Native American peoples, wars fought on American soil, the subsequent spread of the Euro-American frontier, and later periods of urbanization and industrialization. Historical archaeologists seek to understand the past from an anthropological perspective and appreciate how broad historical developments have shaped modern society. In this class we will explore all these aspects of historical archaeology in the New World and abroad. Prerequisite: ARC 200 recommended.

ARC/HIS 331 Cr. 3

The Ancient Greek World

An historical and archaeological survey of the ancient Greek world (Greece proper, the Aegean Islands, southern Italy, western Turkey). Periods discussed will include Cretan (Minoan), Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Early Greek Christian. (Cross-listed with HIS; may only earn credit in ARC or HIS.) Offered every fourth semester.

ARC/HIS 332 Cr. 3

Ancient Rome and the Mediterranean

An historical and archaeological survey of the ancient Mediterranean area (with emphasis on the Italian peninsula) from the founding of the city of Rome to the collapse of the western Roman Empire in the 5th century A.C.E. Periods discussed will include: Italy in the Neolithic period, the founding of Rome, Etruscan Domination, the Roman Republic, the Roman Principate/ Empire, and the advent of Roman Christianity. (Cross-listed with HIS; may only earn credit in ARC or HIS.) Offered every fourth semester.

ARC/ANT 334 Cr. 3

Bones for the Archaeologist: Human Skeletal Anatomy and the Anthropological Study of the Dead

This course is designed for students majoring in Archaeological Studies or related fields. The focus of this course is a detailed study of the human skeleton. Each student will be required to learn the anatomy of the human skeleton in detail. Also considered are methods of determining an individual’s age, ethnic origins, sex, and stature from skeletal remains. The final three weeks of the course will be concerned with anthropological interpretation of the dead. (Cross-listed with ANT; may only earn credit in ARC or ANT.)

ARC/HIS 340 Cr. 3

The Rise and Fall of Ancient Civilizations

A historical and archaeological study of the nature of the origin of ancient civilizations and causes for their decline and fall. Numerous case studies will be surveyed, including the rise and fall of Sumerian, Egyptian, Iranian, Hittite, Harappan, Israelite, Chinese, Minoan, Classical Greek and Roman, and New World civilizations, among others. (Cross-listed with HIS; may only earn credit in ARC or HIS.)

Independent Foreign Research in Archaeology

An individually designed, directed archaeological research project in a foreign country dealing with a significant field, laboratory, museum, or archival/ library research problem. The course permits in-depth, independent research using foreign sources, facilities, and resource persons. Requires a high degree of motivation and the ability to work independently. Prerequisite: INS 250, junior or senior standing, and consent of the department of sociology/archaeology. Only three credits may apply to the major.

ARC/ANT/HIS 353 Cr. 3

Maya Civilization

The course presents an overview of the Maya culture located in southern Mexico and Central America. The class is organized chronologically into several sections that focus on the origins, adaptations to various environments, social, political, and religious organizations, and the belief systems of the Maya beginning at around 3000 B.C. Emphasis will be on Prehispanic Maya; will also explore lifeways of contemporary Maya people. (Cross-listed with ANT and HIS; may only earn credit in ARC, ANT, or HIS.)

Archaeology of the Andes

This course will review the prehistory of South America from its earliest peopling to the Spanish Conquest. Emphasis will be placed on tracing the rise of civilization in the Andes which culminated in the Inca Empire. Topics to be explored includes the controversial evidence from early man in South America, the role of the ocean and mountains in shaping prehispanic life, the origin of domesticated plants and animals, and the rise of the complex societies of Moche, Tiwanaku, Wari, Chimu, and of course, the Inca. Cultures of northern South America and the tropical forest will also be discussed. Prerequisite: ARC 200 recommended. Offered occasionally.

ARC/HIS 365 Cr. 3

A historical and archaeological survey of ancient Iraq (Syro-Mesopotamia) from its prehistoric origin in the neolithic period to the Seleucid period. Ethnic groups discussed will include the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Kassites, Amorites, Chaldeans, and Elamites. Topics will include the rise of urbanism, cuneiform writing, religion, literature, displaced persons, gender relations, and social structure. (Cross-listed with HIS; may only earn credit in ARC or HIS.)

ARC/HIS 366 Cr. 3

A historical and archaeological survey of coastal Syria and Palestine from the neolithic period to the Roman conquest. Various ethnic groups discussed will include the Eblaites, Phoenicians, Philistines, Canaanites, Arameans, Israelites, Samaritans, and Judeans. Special emphasis will be placed on putting biblical history in its Palestinian context. Topics will include social structure, gender relations, religion, and literature. (Cross-listed with HIS; may only earn credit in ARC or HIS.)

ARC/HIS 367 Cr. 3

This course is a survey of the history, archaeology, culture, and civilizations of ancient Egypt from the prehistoric periods, the Pharaonic periods, as well as the Greaco-Roman periods (to the advent of Christianity). Special attention will be given to reading historical texts in translation. We will also explore various aspects of Egyption religion, and the treatment of woman and non-Egyption ethnic groups. (Cross-listed with ARC; may only earn credit in HIS or ARC.)

ARC/HIS 372 Cr. 3

History of Women in the Ancient World

A history of the nature and status of women in the ancient world as derived from textual sources, including works of literature, private letters, economic documents, and tomb inscriptions. Areas studied will be Syro-Mesopotamia, Israel, Iran, Anatolia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world. Also discussed will be the study of women as derived from archaeological sources. (Cross-listed with HIS; may only earn credit in ARC or HIS.) Offered once every three semesters.

Graduate Preparation Seminar

Third year students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in anthropology or archaeology have many things to consider. This seminar is designed to help students determine what research they intend to pursue after graduation, what graduate schools are particularly well suited to meet their research needs, how to target and apply to certain programs, and how to develop an impressive resume. This seminar will also serve to prepare students who do not intend to continue their education in graduate school for employment opportunities upon graduation. Other restrictions: archaeology majors of at least junior standing. Pass/Fail grading.

ARC/SOC/ANT 399 Cr. 1-3

Archaeological Forum

Investigation of areas and topics of current archaeological interest not covered in the regular curriculum ranging from local and regional to transcultural issues. Repeatable for credit—maximum 6. (Cross-listed with SOC and ARC; may only earn 6 credits total in ARC, SOC, and ANT.) Departmental option, Pass/ Fail grading.

Field Methods in Archaeology

Practical application of the basic skills used in the excavation of archaeological sites, including surveying techniques, methods of excavation, compilation of field data, and laboratory analysis. Enrollment by permission of instructor. ARC 200 recommended. Offered Summer Session.

Archaeology Lab Methods

Taking a hands-on approach to analyzing and interpreting archaeological remains, the class will integrate lectures with demonstrations, experiments, and supervised laboratory projects. Study will focus on the potential for interpreting human lifeways and adaptations to the environment from stone tools, ceramics, floral, and faunal remains. Prerequisite: ARC 200; recommended ARC 205, 310 or 402. Offered even-numbered years.

Environmental Archaeology

This course investigates the relationship between prehistoric human societies and their biotic communities. An array of techniques using plant and animal remains from archaeological contexts to reconstruct aspects of ancient environments, climates, and human subsistence patterns are examined. Applications of environmental data toward the understanding of human settlement and subsistence systems are discussed. Prerequisite: ARC 200, junior or senior standing.

ARC 409/509 Cr. 1-3

Readings and Research in Archaeology

Directed readings or research under the super-vision of an instructor. Prerequisite: ARC 200 or 490, consent of supervising instructor, junior standing. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6.

History of Archaeology

A study of the history of archaeology from its antiquarian past to the present. The course will include both a survey of the intellectual development of the field and the great discoveries that accompanied each phase of these developments and the social and intellectual contexts in which they occurred. Prerequisite: ARC 200.

Cultural Resources Management

This course studies the history of and current issues in the preservation of archaeological and historical sites. Current situations in the upper Midwest will be addressed. Application of exercises involving the processes of contract archaeology will be emphasized. Prerequisite: ARC 200; recommended ARC 205 or 310 or 333 or 402.

Research Methods in Archaeology
This course is an introduction to a broad spectrum of research strategies available to archaeologists with a focus on quantitative methods. It is not a course in statistics. Rather, the course is intended to help students learn to be comfortable working with qualitative and quantitative data, and to be a sampler of commonly used quantitative methods in archaeology. Prerequisite: MTH 145 or 250 is recommended.

ARC 450 Cr. 1-15

Internship in Archaeology

An academically relevant field experience for archaeology students. The experience will involve direct participation in excavation, laboratory analysis, or other aspects of archaeological science including museum work, supervised by an archaeologist or professional of a related discipline. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing with a GPA of at least 3.00 and approval of the department. Repeatable for credit — maximum 15. Only three credits can apply to the major. Pass/Fail grading.

ARC/ANT 454 Cr. 3

Historical and Theoretical Approaches in Anthropology

This course is an examination of historical and theoretical approaches in Anthropology.The goal of the course is to prepare majors for graduate study by examining the history of the discipline and exploring the methods and theories developed by anthropologists to study and explain human behavior. Prerequisite: ARC 200, junior or senior standing.

Archaeological Theory

This course reviews the practice of anthropological archaeology. The goal of the course is to examine the relationship between social or cultural anthropology and archaeology and to explore the theories and research strategies that produce a greater understanding of past human behavior.

ARC/ANT 479 Cr. 1-2

Archaeology/Anthropology Laboratory Assistant

An opportunity to assist in the preparation and instruction of an archaeology/anthropology laboratory. Students will be expected to assist in preparation of course materials, demonstrate proper techniques, and evaluate student performance. Admission by instructor consent. Repeatable for credit — maximum 4. Not applicable to the archaeology major or anthropology minor. Pass/Fail grading.

ARC 490/590 Cr. 3

Archaeology for Teachers

This course explores methods and resources for applying archaeology in the regular precollegiate classroom. A brief overview of the science of archaeology, and the pre-European cultures of Wisconsin and Minnesota is provided. Offered occasionally.

ARC 491/591 Cr. 3

Archaeology Field School for Teachers

Participants will experience the basic skills used in the excavation of archaeological sites, including surveying techniques, methods of excavation, compilation of field data and laboratory analysis. Practical application of the skills will be related to the classroom of the precollegiate instructor. Repeatable for credit — maximum 9. Prerequisite: ARC 490. Offered occasionally.

ARC 492/592 Cr. 3

Archaeology Analysis Procedures for Teachers

Taking a hands-on approach to analyzing and interpreting archaeological remains, the class will integrate lectures with demonstrations, experiments, and supervised laboratory projects. Study will focus on the potential for interpreting human lifeways and adaptations to the environment from stone tools, ceramics, floral, and faunal remains. Practical application of the interpretation process will be related to the classroom of the precollegiate instructor. Introduction will provide an overview of field procedures. Prerequisite: ARC 490. Offered occasionally.

Seminar in Archaeology

Intensive study of some specific area or problem of archaeology. Prerequisite: ARC 200 or 490. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6 in ARC 498 and ANT 499. Department option, Pass/Fail grading.

Senior Project/Thesis in Archaeology

This course is the last course in the Archaeological Studies major course sequence and is normally taken during the student’s final year. The course is designed to assist the student in completing the graduation requirement of the senior project/ thesis. Prerequisite: senior standing and prior agreement with project adviser. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Spring Semester.