MODULE #6: FINDING ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
2-3 hours
A. Overview: In this module students will learn how archaeological sites are located. Archaeological survey allows the discovery of sites and also the study of human occupation on a regional basis. Students will learn about the types of archaeological sites, the different forms of survey that may be undertaken, and basic site assessment.
B. Objectives:
1. Describe how archaeological sites are found.
2. Show how field surveys are carried out.
3. Apply the use of the proper form of remote sensing technology.
4. Describe the steps necessary to properly assess an archaeological site
5. Define the objectives of site survey
6. Describe the various forms of subsurface detection
C. Principles:
1. Basic archaeological skills: how to identify archaeological sites; how to develop a research plan to conduct archaeological survey.
2. Diverse interests: land ownership/permission; confidentiality of findings
3. Communication: how to prepare a research design, create a map, sampling design.
4. Ethics: confidentiality of findings, land ownership issues.
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 assignment.
F. Lecture Outline:
1. Finding archaeological sites
2. Develop Research design
3. Methodologies:a. Chance discoveries: African-American burial ground, Dead Sea Scrolls, X’ian
b. Surface survey (SWAT video)
c. Sampling
d. Remote sensing
e. Aerial photography
f. Testing4. Recording archaeological site
a. Mapping
b. Documentation
c. Assessment
G. Examples: Teotihuacan survey, Basin of Mexico survey
H. Activities: Reading topographic maps, gridding a site.
I. Take-Home Assignment (Keith Kintigh, Margaret Nelson, Arizona State University)
J. Excavating Occaneechi Town http://www.ibiblio.org/dig/index.html sampling
K. Readings: Fagan Chapter 6