MCCCD Program Description

Laboratory Methods in Archaeology

Course: ASM265

First Term: 2011 Fall

Lec + Lab 4 Credit(s) 4 Period(s) 4 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S

Description: Techniques of artifact. Basic archaeological research techniques; methods of report writing.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Review the purposes for laboratory analysis. (I) 2. Define the basic principles behind analysis. (I) 3. Examine primary steps for handling artifacts. (II) 4. Explain ways to analyze ceramic artifacts. (III) 5. Describe the elements of analysis of chipped stone artifacts. (IV) 6. Trace the needs for specialized artifact analysis. (V) 7. Examine the basis for analysis of historic artifacts. (VI) 8. Critique the methods for statistical analysis of artifacts. (VII) 9. Integrate analysis with report preparation. (VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Framework for analysis of material culture A. Design of analysis-purposes & principles B. Description through attribute recording C. Classification and typology II. Laboratory handling and processing A. Inventory and cataloging B. Standard artifact processing C. Special artifact processing III. Ceramic artifact analysis A. Attribute definition B. Ceramic design analysis C. Typologies D. Specialized analysis IV. Chipped stone analysis A. Attribute definition B. Use and war analysis C. Specialized analysis V. Specialized artifact analysis A. Shell B. Ground Stone C. Selected artifact categories VI. Historic Artifact Analysis A. Classification B. Dating VII. Statistical methods for analysis A. Basic descriptive statistics B. Introduction to hypothesis testing C. Nonparametric statistics (nominal and ordinal scaled data) D. Correlation VIII. Report writing A. Technical writing B. Report formats C. Use of tables and figures D. Use of artifact illustrations

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 4/25/2006

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.