MODULE #5: DATING THE PAST
2-3 hours
A. Overview: In this module we discuss the ways in which archaeologists study time and date the past. Distinctions are made between cyclical and linear time, and between absolute and relative chronology. A variety of methodologies are examined as examples of how archaeologists place archaeological sites in time and space.
B. Objectives:
1. Define relative chronology
2. Describe relative chronological methods (seriation, artifacts, and stratigraphy).
3. Define absolute dating.
4. Describe absolute dating methods (dendrochronology, radiocarbon, obsidian hydration, potassium-argon, etc.)
5. Show how archaeologists use historical records, calendars, and objects of known age for dating purposes.
C. Principles:
1. Basic archaeological skills: review basic archaeological methodologies for dating sites
D. Instructional Procedures: This module is primarily lecture and student activity. Throughout the lecture, students are asked questions to ensure they are grasping the concepts introduced. It is important to tie in real world experiences to the content, so the questions ask the students to think of some of the concepts in the context of today’s world. Powerpoint is useful to help identify concepts but the lecture can be taught with traditional technology (whiteboard, etc.).
E. Assessment: Students will be assessed by completing two in-class activities and one out-of-class paper.
F. Lecture Outline:
1. Relative chronology
a. Seriation (Deetz gravestones example)
b. Stratigraphy (Koster site) (define)
c. Cross-dating
d. Principle of superposition
e. Artifacts2. Absolute dating
a. Historical records, calendars, objects of known age: Mayan calendar, Egyptian hieroglyphics
b. Cross-dating (Great Zimbabwe: Chinese porcelain)
c. Obsidian hydration (Maya-Copan)
d. Dendrochronology (Jeff Dean-Betatakin)
e. Radiocarbon
f. Potassium-argon
g. Other methods
G. Activities: Dendrochronology; seriation of Los Hornos
http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d10/asb/learning/archy/exploration/archy8.html
http://emuseum.mnsu.edu/archaeology/dating/index.shtml
H. See UCSB web site on dating:
http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d10/asb/anthro2003/archy/dating/datingtech.html
I. Readings: Fagan, Chapter 3
J. Out-of class Assignment: Dating Project Take-Home (Cathy Willermet)