Archeology is the study of the past through material remains. Archeological
Studies at Oberlin is based on a program of interdepartmental offerings
that covers a range of cultures—from prehistoric to early historic—in
both the Old and New Worlds. This program of study also introduces
students to the analytic tools that facilitate archeological research.
The Archeological Studies major is an interdisciplinary major administered
by the Curricular Committee on Archeology. The major is interdisciplinary
in two respects. First, it requires students, regardless of their
specific interests, to become acquainted with a range of different
archeological research perspectives among those represented in the
College curriculum. Second, it permits students to explore the interrelations
between archeology and science in a manner that is consistent with
current trends in both study and research.
Majors will design their own curriculum in close consultation with
their advisor according to the specific area of concentration within
the discipline.
The core curriculum will consist of a selection of courses drawn
from the regular offerings in anthropology, art, classics, religion,
and geology and supplemented by appropriate courses in related disciplines
such as biology, chemistry, environmental studies, history, mathematics,
and computer science.
Major. No fewer than 32 hours of coursework distributed
as follows:
1. Introduction to Archeology (Anthropology 103) and one seminar
are required of all majors.
2. Eighteen hours of coursework including at least six hours
each in at least two of the following departments: Anthropology,
Art, Classics, Religion. These courses may include: Art 220,
308, 311, 413, 423, 465; Anthropology 102, 103, 262, 266, 292,
463, 465; Classics 103, 104, 207, 212, 213; and Religion 103.
3. Nine hours of coursework in natural science, mathematics,
and computer science. A course in statistics is recommended and
to be taken as early in the major as possible. Courses should
be selected in close consultation with the major advisor and
may include: Biology 115, 118, 119, 120, 201, 203, 204, 206,
211, 212 and 218; Chemistry 101, 102, 103, 205, 211; Geology
120, 188, 190, 201, 204, 212, 242, 250, 320, 330, 340, 359, 361;
Mathematics 100, 113, 114, 131, 132, 133, 134; Physics 103, 104,
110, 111. Other recommended courses include: Environmental Studies:
101, 231, 291, 310, 316, 320, and Computer Science 101.
Please consult individual departmental listings for full course descriptions
and availability in a given semester and year. Not all of these courses are offered
every year.
Students who wish to apply courses not on this list to the requirement may petition
the Curricular Committee on Archeology for approval to substitute.
4. Three to six hours of field or laboratory experience (Archeological Studies
200 or equivalent). This experience can be gained through internships or participation
in an archeological field school.
5. Senior Project: All majors are required to undertake a research project during
one semester of their senior year. These projects should involve more than one
area or discipline. Senior projects may be pursued either within the context
of existing seminars or as independent study courses. In either case, students
must enroll in Archeological Studies 300 (1-3 credit hours) in consultation with
the project advisor. An invitation from the Curricular Committee on Archeology
to participate in the Honors Program would replace the senior project requirement.
In addition, students may choose to concentrate in Classical Archeology, in
which case Latin or Greek 202 (or the equivalent) and Classics 103 History
of Greece
and Classics 104 History of Rome are required. This concentration will be registered
on the student's transcript.
Those students planning to study Archeology at the graduate level should plan
to have a reading knowledge of appropriate foreign languages and a familiarity
with all relevant computer applications. It is recommended that Statistics be
taken as early in the major as possible.
Winter Term projects, mini-courses, colloquia, and lectures are sponsored by
the Curricular Committee. As in the College Individual Major Program, students
may take reading courses as a means of integrating their interests.
For further information about the archeological studies major, students should
contact Linda Grimm (Anthropology Department), or Susan Kane (Art Department).
Minor. There is no minor offered in Archeological Studies.
Courses:
200. Archeological Field Course
4 hours, 4SS
Summer.
A four week summer course in field archaeology offered in conjunction
with the Sangro Valley Project (www.sangro.org), a joint archaeological
project of Oberlin
College and Oxford University at the Samnite/Roman site of Monte Pallano
in the Abruzzo, Italy. Participants will learn theoretical
and practical aspects of
excavation. There will also be field trips, lectures on the history of the
region, and discussions of the current problems facing professionals
in the field of
heritage resource management. Identical to ARTS 413. Consent of instructor
required. Enrollment Limit: 6.
Ms. Kane
250. Advanced Archeological Field Course
5 hours, 5SS
Summer.
A seven week summer course for students with previous fieldwork
experience who wish to further their training in archaeological
field methods and research.
Offered in conjunction with the Sangro Valley Project in the Abruzzo, Italy
(www.sangro.org).
This seven week course will include pre-season training; four weeks of
excavation; and post-excavation analysis. Students taking this
course will serve as trench
supervisors and/or laboratory/technical assistants under the supervision
of the senior personnel; they will also collaborate with professional staff
in their
on-going research projects. Identical to ARTS 423. Consent of instructor
required. Enrollment
Limit: 6.
Ms. Kane
300. Senior Project
1-3 hours, 1-3SS
Consent of instructor required.
400. Honors
2-5 hours, 2-5EX
Consent of instructor required.
995. Private Reading
.5-3 hours, .5-3EX
Note: Available as extra-divisional credit only. Consent of instructor
required.
