Course Synopsis:

Digging Up the Past focuses on the intersection of history and archaeology. Conventionally, we think of archaeologists in the field excavating artefacts, buildings, and bones whereas we think of historians sitting in libraries and archives reading documents. Rarely do we think about how these two approaches to the past influence, correct, and contradict each other. This course will use an enquiry-based learning pedagogy to focus on a number of case studies, some famous, some more obscure, but all demonstrating how archaeology and history work together to bring us closer to the past.

Learning Outcomes:

After successful completion of this course, an assiduous student will have learned to:

1. appreciate the complementary contributions historical and archaeological approaches to the past;
2. recognize the ways in which knowledge and skills have travelled and been constructed across cultures;
3. develop skills in critical reading, writing, and thinking;
4. develop skills in research in the library and online;
5. develop experience in the critical evaluation of information;
6. develop the ability to assess their own academic performance and that of others;
7. gain experience with teamwork while appreciating how every individual contributes to collaborative learning.

Method of Evaluation and Weights:

First Case Analysis: Triquet Island - 15%
Critical Article Analysis- 20%
Hot Topics Presentation – 15%
Hot Topics Essay – 15%
Hot Topic Assessments – 10%
Final Case Analysis - 25%
Total 100%

Required Texts:

There are no Required Texts

*Please note: This is a preliminary website description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.