Archaeology Learning Goals

Students who major in archaeology can expect to achieve the following learning goals:

  • Explain the core concepts and methods applied in contemporary archaeology
  • Contextualize the diversity of past human experiences through the comparative examination of material culture broadly defined
  • Assemble, analyze, and interpret archaeological evidence using appropriate methods
  • Demonstrate awareness of archaeology’s role in the contemporary world and ethical issues relevant to archaeological practice
  • Develop appropriate and complementary skills in one or more related areas (language, visual analysis, STEM)
  • Differentiate and evaluate the main intellectual trends, core archaeological theories and interpretive approaches in archaeology
  • Formulate an archaeological question and apply appropriate concepts and techniques to address that question in a geographic, chronological, or methodological focus of their choosing
  • Gain practical experience in archaeological field methods, lab methods, and/or museum work