Introduction to Archaeological Science: Natural Science Approaches to the Human Past
ARCP 275
Spring 2026
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
IDEA 275, ANTH 275, STS 275 |
While archaeology is considered by many to be a social science, natural science approaches are increasingly utilized by archaeologists to explore past environments and behaviors. Archaeological science is defined as the application of scientific techniques from biology, chemistry, geology, and other natural sciences to archaeological materials. This course will survey the different scientific techniques employed by archaeologists and highlight their utility for exploring the human past through archaeological case studies. Students will consider how the integration of natural and social science approaches produces a more complete understanding of the archaeological record. This includes the reconstruction of climates, landscapes, diets, migrations, population interactions, production behaviors, chronologies, and more. Students will learn the basics of the archaeological applications of ancient DNA, stable isotopes, sedimentology, geochemistry, chronometric dating, 3D scanning, morphometrics, botany, zoology, and other scientific methods. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM ARCP |
| Course Format: Lecture | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Archaeology) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
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Examinations and Assignments:
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Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
- This course satisfies the Gateway and Methods and Technology requirements for the Archaeology major and minor |
| Instructor(s): Gill,Jayson Peter Times: TBA; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 25 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| Seats Available: 25 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 0 | JR non-major: 0 | SO: 0 | FR: 0 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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