ANTH 5203, Archaeology Method & Theory: Core Course, Spring 2003

In Honor of Professor Allen McCartney
with Professors: Thomas J. Green, Marvin Kay, Kenneth L. Kvamme, Fred Limp,
Robert C. Mainfort, Jeffrey M. Mitchem, Claudine Payne,
Martha A. Rolingson, George Sabo, and Frank Schambach

Meetings: Tuesdays, 6:00 - 8:50 pm, OLD MAIN 322

Overall course coordinator and contact: Professor Kenneth L. Kvamme (kkvamme@uark.edu; place "CORE COURSE" in the subject line; 575-4130)

Introduction
This core class is intended for all graduate students in the M.A. or Ph.D. programs in the Department of Anthropology. It presents an intensive look at the realities of archaeological research and practice at the dawn of the 21st century by focusing on the work of 9 individuals through direct interaction, but also a host of others through readings. This is a team-taught course made up of faculty members of the Department of Anthropology and members of the Arkansas Archeological Survey from throughout Arkansas, who also hold titles within the department. The topics and case studies are unabashedly slanted toward Arkansas and nearby regions, although exposure to other areas and a host of methods and theoretical concepts will also be broached. Students, regardless of background or previous experience, should come away with a good feel for what archaeology is all about.

Class Format
In addition to two summary meetings (the first and the last), the course will present 13 faculty lecturers who will describe case studies and theoretical perspectives from their own research. Each of these lectures will be 1-1.5 hours; the remainder of each of these meetings will center on discussion led by a student discussion leader. Back to top

Course Approach & Evaluation
Our approach to this seminar and its evaluation is based on 13 independent assignments that each possess similar elements, participation in the 15 class meetings, participation in monthly discussion groups lead by an archaeology faculty member (or guest speaker), and being a discussion leader for one (or more, depending on class enrollment) of the weekly in-class formal discussions. These domains are described as follows. Back to top

1. 13 independent assignments. (New format; supersedes original syllabus) Prior to each weekly discussion the seminar participants will be provided with a list of assigned readings and questions about the topic, or equivalent materials. Each student will be expected to be familiar with the readings and questions prior to the lecture and participate in an open discussion that immediately follows each lecture. Based on the lecture, discussions, and readings, the student will prepare in the following week a 5-6 page double-spaced paper that thoughtfully addresses the questions (more lengthy responses of moderate length are acceptable). The paper should specifically refer to points raised in the lecture and discussion, and make reference to several of the assigned readings. Two copies of the paper, identified only by the student identification number, the date, and the topic, should be delivered to the course supervisor at the meeting in the week following the lecture. Each paper will be evaluated by at least two of the faculty; their average score, up to a maximum of 100 points, will be awarded for each paper. Back to top
   
   

2. Monthly discussion in mini-groups. Class participants will be divided into equal sized groups and randomly assigned to an archaeology faculty member, who will serve as their class mentor and advisor providing more direct and personal interaction should questions and difficult issues arise. Each of these mini-groups will meet once a month at a mutually agreed upon time and place. The purpose is to provide a less informal meeting to discuss the course, its strengths, weaknesses, and possible improvements. The archaeology faculty mentor will evaluate participation at these meeting for grading purposes. Back to top
   

   MINI-GROUP ASSIGNMENTS
   GREEN: Tonya, Matt, Jason	KVAMME: David, Opal, Stacey
   LIMP: Sarah, Crystal, Kath	MAINFORT: Mary, Elsa
   KAY: Mark, Angie, Jeff	SABO: Andy, Leslie

   
   

3. Discussion leader. Each week the faculty presenter will be appointed a student discussion leader for the topic. This will be done in consultation with the seminar participants, who will elect someone to volunteer for a specific weekly topic, or random assignment may be used. The discussion leader will meet with the weekly presenter (or be in communication by e-mail) the week prior to the presentation. The two will discuss the topic and how the discussion leader will serve during the class. The discussion leader will serve as a second contact person for other seminar participants prior to the weekly meeting. Back to top

4. Robert L. Stigler, Jr. Lectureship In Archaeology: Seminar participants are required to attend these two formal lectures this semester, and are urged to attend the informal discussion groups led by the Stigler guest lecturer. Both of these activities are on Thursdays. The speakers and topics are:
   
   

   • March 6, 2003, Michelle Hegmon, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, Arizona State University, Tempe. Lecture: "Culture, Style and Technology in Southwest Archaeology" Giffels Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
     
     
   • April 3, 2003, Linea Sundstrom, Ph.D., Day Star Research, Shorewood, WI . Lecture: "The Art of Transformation: Religion and Indian Rock Art in the Northern Plains" Giffels Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
     Back to top

Readings
Copies of many of the course readings will be placed within the Anthropology Reading Room at least a week prior to each lecture. These readings should not leave the room except for purposes of making copies, which should be accomplished in under an hour. Books and other readings may be on reserve at Mullins Library. For students unfamiliar with archaeology, a suite of introductory textbooks have been place on reserve.

Guests
Guests are individuals not enrolled in the course, usually graduate students in the Department of Anthropology or the Environmental Dynamics Program. They are welcome to attend the lecture portion of each of the 13 lecture-based classes, but should leave prior to the discussions. Students enrolled in the class and faculty are to be given seating priority.

Attendance, Academic Dishonesty
Other than due to illness or an emergency, regular attendance is expected. University policies will be strictly adhered to with regard to academic dishonesty. Refer to the Graduate School Catalog for general information. Back to top

Grade Evaluation
Evaluation is based on a set of 15 individual activities, each worth 100 points. Specifically, the 13 independent assignments (described above) constitute a maximum of 1300 points (87% of grade), up to 100 points (7%) are allowed for the mentoring of faculty member's assessment of the mini-group meetings, and up to 100 points are awarded by the entire faculty to reflect class participation, student interest, commitment, and devotion to the course.

Extra credit. Up to 75 points of extra credit will be awarded at the discretion of the course coordinator for an essay that evaluates the implications for archaeology of the two Stigler lectures. The essay should be no more than three type written, double-spaced pages. It should be turned in April 8, 2003.

Grade Scale: A: 90-100%: B: 80-90; C: 70-80; D: 60-70; F: < 60%

Reporting Of Grades To Students. Grades will not be posted. The student may submit an e-mail message or a self-addressed, stamped post card or envelope to request current grade status from the course coordinator. Back to top

Basis For Grading Research Papers & Oral Presentations

Course Schedule

Department of Anthropology Old Main 330, University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 Phone: (479)575-2508; Fax: (479)575-6595 E-mail: chitt@comp.uark.edu Maintained by Course Coordinator