ATH 318 - The Archaeology of Objects

Course unit(s): 1
Prerequisite(s): ATH 155 Archaeology & Prehistory .
This courses examines the role of material culture in the human world. Objects, especially artifacts, are more than just utilitarian background to our existence; they shape us as much as we modify them. This course provides a methodological and theoretical foundation for the analysis of archaeological and anthropological artifacts. We will examine a variety of materials, including stone, clay/ceramics, basketry, metals, wood, shell, and more. We will examine the process of transforming raw materials into material culture from technological, economic, social, political, and religious perspectives.