The Archaeological Report
Overview
Students are introduced to archaeological research design and interpretation
by reviewing the parts (and the links between parts) of academic and
compliance reports. We also discuss the importance of reports and of
publishing as legal and professional obligations. While the differences
between the intent (and hence design) of the two report types are highlighted,
the research value of data collected in compliance reports is also emphasized.
The assignment (to review reports) also provides the opportunity for
students to select the research report that will form the basis of their
papers and presentations (see the module on Communicating
Archaeology).
[Note that within this same class session, we also cover the first part
of the module on Communicating Archaeology, which introduces students
to the differences between writing for the public and writing for a
professional audience.]
Lesson Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Identify the similarities and differences between a research report
and a compliance report and discuss the reasons behind the similarities
and differences.
Matrix Principles
Ethics and Values (publication as an ethical responsibility), Stewardship
(proper documentation of the archaeological record), Communication (review/critique
of writing styles in reports), and Basic Archaeological Skills (review
of archaeological research design).
Instructional Procedures
The assignment before class:
- Browse research and compliance reports on reserve at the library (for
list of research reports see Paper 1 assignment). Select the research
report that will form the basis of your paper and presentation assignments.
List your first, second, and third choices (in case some of you choose
the same title).
[I thank Beverly Chiarulli, who directs the CRM program at Indiana University
of Pennsylvania, for copies of compliance reports. It was useful to have
local (i.e., Pennsylvania) reports for the students to review, and other
instructors may want to contact local programs or firms. ]
Reading
Neumann, Thomas W., and Robert M. Sanford
2001 Cultural Resources Archaeology: An Introduction. AltaMira
Press, Walnut Creek, California.
Read Chapter 7 (on reports).
Format: Discussion
Class follows a discussion format, and topics may include:
- The professional and legal obligations that archaeologists have to
publish their findings.
- A comparison of the structure of the two report types.
- A more detailed discussion of the phase organization of compliance
archaeology.
- Compliance reports in non-U.S. contexts (e.g., as part of the legal
and professional obligation of U.S. researchers working overseas).
- Research questions, where they come from, and the link between questions,
methods, results, and interpretations in research reports.
Archaeological writing style in reports may also be addressed, since
the second half of this class session compares writing for the public
versus writing for a professional audience. No special equipment is
needed.