Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Archaeology (ARCH)

Professors: Chandler, S. Johnson
Associate Professors: Adams, Munson  (Coordinator)
Assistant Professor: Knauth (Coordinator), Melton

  • Major: Archaeology
  • Courses required for major: 10 (not including zero or 1 credit courses)
  • Language prerequisite (not counted in major): GRK, HEBR, or LAT 101; or SPAN 111 (or by placement)
  • Non-credit Colloquium: 2 semesters
  • Capstone requirement: Practical Experience, ARCH 447 Research Project, and ARCH 448 Colloquium Presentation
  • Minor: Archaeology

Archaeology is the study of the human past through material remains. This interdisciplinary major provides students with a strong foundation in the major concepts, methods, and theories of the field, and allows them to specialize in one of three culture areas: Ancient Near East, Classical Mediterranean, or Latin America. Students majoring in archaeology can focus on topics of particular interest to them, with opportunities for collaboration with ongoing excavations and other forms of supervised field research. Beyond a career in archaeology, students also translate the skills and knowledge they acquire in archaeology into museum curation, historic preservation, education, and antiquities trade law enforcement, among many other careers.

Major Requirements

The major consists of ten courses, plus Colloquium and a Practical Experience, as follows:

A. Four core courses in Archaeology and Anthropology, plus Archaeology Colloquium:

     ANTH 102     Patterns in Prehistory (ANTH 210 or higher may be substituted with approval
                            of the program coordinator)
     ARCH 110     Archaeological Principles
     ARCH 427     Archaeological Theory and Method
     ARCH 447     Archaeological Research Design
     ARCH 448     Archaeology Colloquium (non-credit; prerequisite ARCH 348)

B. Four courses in Culture Area (select one area):
   Area 1 - Ancient Near East
    • ARCH/REL 226 Archaeology of Ancient Israel and Its Neighbors
    • HEBR or GRK 102 (or above) Biblical Hebrew or Greek II
      (Akkadian, Arabic, or Modern Hebrew may be substituted; if both GRK and HEBR are taken, a course at the 102 level or above from the second language may count as the Near East Elective)
    • REL 228 History and Culture of the Ancient Near East
    • one additional elective relating to Ancient Near Eastern culture from:  ANTH 232, 310; ARCH/ANTH 210, 311; ARCH/ANTH/REL 233; ENGL 218; HIST 232; REL 113, 210, 212, 221,  333, 337; or a second ancient language at the 102 level or above, as noted.
     Area 2 - Classical Mediterranean
    • ARCH/REL 226    Archaeology of Ancient Israel and Its Neighbors
    • GRK or LAT 102 (or above) Biblical Greek or Latin II
      (Classical Greek or Coptic may be substituted; if both GRK and LAT are taken, a course at the 102 level or above from the second language may count as the Classical Elective)
    • HIST 210 Ancient History Greece and Rome or REL 221 The Hellenistic-Roman Cultural World
    • one additional elective relating to Classical Mediterranean culture from: HIST 210 or REL 221 (not already counted); ANTH 232, 310; ARCH/ANTH 210, 311; ARCH/ANTH/REL 233; ENGL 218, 225; PHIL 201; REL 114, 337, 433; THEA 332; or a second ancient language at the 102 level or above, as noted 
     Area 3 – Latin America
    • ARCH 231 Mesoamerican Archaeology
    • SPAN 112 (or above) Intermediate Spanish II
    • ANTH 230 Anthropology of Latin America
    • one additional elective relating to Latin American culture from: ANTH 232, 310, 320*, 334; ARCH/ANTH 210, 311; ARCH/ANTH/REL 233; other approved 4-credit ARCH or ANTH;  HIST 221; SPAN 311*, 321*, 426*
      *when Latin American topic

Other culture areas are possible on an individual basis. Recent examples include North America, Medieval Europe, and Southeast Asia.

C: One course in object analysis from:
    • ARHI 222                  Introduction to Art History I ARHI/ARCH 332    Ancient Art and Archaeology
    • ARCH 403               Laboratory Methods in Archaeology
    • BIO 215                     Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
    • ART 119 or 229       Ceramics I or Ceramics II
    • Other ARHI or Studio Art  (such as Drawing or Photography) or BIO 338 (Human Anatomy),
      with approval of the program coordinator.
D. One elective from:
    • ARCH/ANTH/REL 401 Field Archaeology
    • ARCH/ANTH 403 Laboratory Methods
    • BIO 215  Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
    • Any additional 4-credit ARCH or ANTH course
    • Any additional course listed above in sections B or C
    • ASTR 102, 104, or 112 (Geology); CHEM 224/225, 232, or 333; or ENGL 219 (Linguistics)

An appropriate course from the fields of art, art history, economics, history, literature, philosophy, political science, or religion (or other related fields), including independent study projects, may be substituted subject to approval by the program coordinator. 

Although not included in the major, the study of German and/or French is strongly recommended for those planning to pursue graduate studies in Ancient Near Eastern or Classical Mediterranean Archaeology, or in Museum Studies. 

For those planning to pursue graduate studies or careers in archaeological conservation or preservation, the Organic Chemistry sequence (CHEM 222/223 - 224/225) is strongly recommended, as is Drawing (ART 111, or more advanced).

Capstone Requirements

The capstone experience consists of the following three components:

1) Senior Seminar: complete ARCH 447, including design and presentation of a substantial independent Research Project using archaeological data.

2) Practical Experience: participate in an approved archaeological field school, survey, or field research project, or complete a relevant internship. This need not be for credit, but these experiences typically involve at least 140 hours in the field, and students must keep and submit a journal documenting the experience. Optional credit may be earned as ARCH/ANTH/REL 401 Field Archaeology, ARCH/ANTH 403 Laboratory Methods, or ARCH/ANTH/ARHI/ART/HIST 470 Internship.

3) Colloquium Presentation: give a presentation in ARCH 448, normally based on the seminar research project and/or practical experience, presenting significant independent research relating to archaeology.

Diversity and Writing Courses

The following courses satisfy the Global Cultural Diversity Requirement: ANTH 101, 102, 103, 210, 230, 232, 233, 310, 311, 320, 334, 344; ARCH 210, 226, 231, 233, 311, 332; ARHI 222, 332; ENGL 225; HIST 221, 232; REL 210, 221, 226, 228, 233, 323; SPAN 311, 321, 426. The following courses satisfy either the Domestic or Global Diversity Requirement: ENGL 218; REL 212 and 333.  A list of courses that, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the Writing Requirement, can be found on the Registrar’s website and in the GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS section of the catalog.

Minor Requirements

A minor in Archaeology consists of five courses, including ARCH 110, ARCH/REL 226, ARCH 231, and two additional 4-credit courses in Archaeology. An ANTH course or BIO 215 may be substituted for one of these with approval of the program coordinator.

110
ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES
An introduction to the major concepts and principles of archaeological research and the techniques used to study the human past through the retrieval, analysis, and interpretation of material remains. Includes a practical laboratory component.

201
INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN FIELD ARCHAEOLOGY METHOD AND THEORY
Archaeology is the study of past cultures and societies through their material remains. This course utilizes actual field experience along with laboratory exercises, text-based instruction, and discussion to introduce archaeological field methods as applied in the context of modern American archaeological investigation, along with the theory underlying them. A variety of techniques for investigating, reconstructing, interpreting, preserving, and ultimately learning from the past are also examined and utilized. A basic human cultural chronology for Native American civilization is established as a context for understanding important ideological and socio-economic factors. The fieldwork component of the course includes site testing and preliminary assessment, development of research design, establishment of an excavation grid, and excavation by both arbitrary and natural strata. Students also identify, label, and catalog artifacts; complete site records; provide top plans and balk drawings; and contribute to a final site report. Additional lab fee and lab times required for excavation. Alternate years.

210
TALKING TRASH: ARCHAEOLOGY OF EVERYDAY LIFE
Examines the material remains and built environments that are the product of people’s everyday life. Focusing on the household as a central analytical unit, students investigate the residential spaces and things that people produce and consume in domestic contexts in order to study past demographic patterns, social interactions and status, subsistence practices, divisions of labor, as well as group ideology and communal practices in ancient human societies. Case studies drawn from ethnography and archaeology examine the patterns of everyday life in the ancient Near East, Mediterranean, and the Americas. Cross-listed as ANTH 210. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.

226
ARCHAEOLOGY OF ANCIENT ISRAEL AND ITS NEIGHBORS
A brief introduction to basic archaeological method as currently practiced in the eastern Mediterranean region and an in-depth study of the typological development of architecture, mortuary practices, artifacts and material culture of ancient Israel and Canaan (the land of the Bible) from representative excavations through different historical periods. Special attention is given to the role of archaeology in reconstructing the world in which biblical literature originated, along with archaeological results that help illuminate or clarify the biblical text. Cross-listed as REL 226. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.

231
MESOAMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY
An exploration of the archaeological record and what it reveals about the emergence of Mesoamerican civilization with an emphasis on Olmec, Maya, and Aztec societies. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.

233
ARCHAEOLOGY OF RITUAL
In-depth cross-cultural study of the archaeological remains of ancient ritual practices. While the meaning of ancient rituals is not directly accessible to us today, archaeologists study the spaces, objects, actors, and material residues of past ritual practices to understand their role and significance in past societies. Case studies drawn from the ancient Near East, Mediterranean, and the Americas. Cross-listed as ANTH 233 and REL 233. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.

311
POWER AND PRESTIGE IN THE PAST
In-depth analysis of the development and operation of state-level societies from anthropological and archaeological perspectives. Topics include the emergence of social inequality, definitions of state and power, political organization, collective action, and the role of ideology in complex societies. Case studies drawn from the ancient Near East, Mediterranean, and the Americas. Cross-listed as ANTH 311. Prerequisite: One 4-credit ANTH course or junior or senior standing. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.

320
SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARCHAEOLOGY
Study of selected archaeological topics, theorists, or methods. Sample topics include household archaeology, archaeology of power, archaeology of ritual, origins of social inequality, and ceramic analysis. Prerequisite: ARCH 110 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor when topics are different.

332
ANCIENT ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY
An exploration of the ancient cultures of the Near East and Mediterranean as elucidated by modern archaeological research, through examination of their art and architecture. Cross-listed as ARHI 332. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.

348
JUNIOR ARCHAEOLOGY COLLOQUIUM
A forum for senior presentations, faculty and outside speakers relating to archaeology, plus occasional outside workshops and events. This course is a prerequisite for ARCH 448. Students considering study abroad in the fall of their junior year should take ARCH 348 in the fall of their sophomore year if possible. 1-2 hours per week. Pass/Fail. Non-credit seminar.

401
FIELD ARCHAEOLOGY
Participation in an approved archaeological dig, survey, or field research program. Includes instruction in excavation or survey techniques, recording and processing of artifacts, and exposure to the wider results of related excavation and research and the use of archaeology as a tool for elucidating historical and cultural changes. This course acquaints students with the basic techniques and procedures used in modern archaeology through intensive hands-on fieldwork. Cross-listed as ANTH 401, and as REL 401 for some Mediterranean and Near Eastern digs with approval. Prerequisite: ARCH 110 or consent of instructor. Special fees apply. May Term or Summer Sessions only.

402
TOPICS IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Directed research in archaeology, normally conducted in conjunction with an archaeological excavation project. A substantial research paper is required, making significant use of archaeological data and highlighting the relationship between field archaeology and history, art history, or related archaeological sciences. Corequisite ANTH/ARCH/REL 401 or consent of instructor. 2 credits. May be repeated for credit with departmental consent when topics are different.

403
LABORATORY METHODS IN ARCHAEOLOGY
Acquaints students with the basic methods and techniques used to analyze archaeological materials. Students gain practical experience in the description, inventory, and analysis of artifacts, processing of specimens, and data documentation. Includes lectures, laboratory, and museum visits. Cross-listed as ANTH 403. Prerequisite: ARCH 110 or consent of instructor. Special fees apply. May Term or Summer Sessions.

421
ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD SUPERVISION
Participation in an archaeological excavation or field school program at the level of assistant supervisor or above. Includes instruction in on-site supervision of daily digging, record-keeping, and interpretation of finds, and/or specialized training in excavation project coordination, data processing, or analysis of specific types of material culture. Research project required. Prerequisite: ANTH/ARCH/REL 401 or equivalent experience. Special fees apply. May Term or Summer Sessions only.

427
ARCHAEOLOGICAL THEORY AND METHOD
This seminar acquaints the student with the history of archaeological thinking over the past century. Current archaeological theory is covered in some detail; students learn to identify, examine, and evaluate specific theories. Prerequisite: ANTH 102, ARCH 110, and one course in ARCH numbered 200 or above; or consent of instructor.

447
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH DESIGN
Building on ARCH 427, students design and present a substantial research project that articulates a research question or hypothesis with a logical plan of data collection and analysis, and uses archaeological data to address a specific topic or issue. Prerequisite: ARCH 427.  Corequisite: ARCH 448.

448
SENIOR ARCHAEOLOGY COLLOQUIUM
A forum for senior presentations, faculty and outside speakers relating to archaeology, plus occasional outside workshops and events. 1-2 hours per week. Non-credit seminar. Prerequisite: ARCH 348 or consent of instructor.

470-479
INTERNSHIP
Interns in archaeology usually work in historical museums or art museums under the supervision of a museum director/curator/archaeologist and a member of the faculty. Course can also be designated as ANTH, ARHI, ART, HIST, or REL and taken through the relevant department.

N80-N89
INDEPENDENT STUDY
This course represents an opportunity to pursue specific research interests not usually covered in regular courses. Course can also be designated as ANTH, ARHI, ART, HIST, or REL and taken through the relevant department.

490-491
INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS