NEAA

This is a two-course sequence that introduces students to theory and method in landscape studies and the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to analyze archaeological, anthropological, historical, and environmental data. Course one covers the theoretical and methodological background necessary to understand spatial approaches to landscape and the fundamentals of using ESRI's ArcGIS software, and further guides students in developing a research proposal. Course two covers more advanced GIS-based analysis (using vector, raster, and satellite remote sensing data) and guides students in carrying out their own spatial research project. In both courses, techniques are introduced through the discussion of case studies (focused on the archaeology of the Middle East) and through demonstration of software skills. During supervised laboratory times, the various techniques and analyses covered will be applied to sample archaeological data and also to data from a region/topic chosen by the student.

This is a two-course sequence that introduces students to theory and method in landscape studies and the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to analyze archaeological, anthropological, historical, and environmental data. Course one covers the theoretical and methodological background necessary to understand spatial approaches to landscape and the fundamentals of using ESRI's ArcGIS software, and further guides students in developing a research proposal. Course two covers more advanced GIS-based analysis (using vector, raster, and satellite remote sensing data) and guides students in carrying out their own spatial research project. In both courses, techniques are introduced through the discussion of case studies (focused on the archaeology of the Middle East) and through demonstration of software skills. During supervised laboratory times, the various techniques and analyses covered will be applied to sample archaeological data and also to data from a region/topic chosen by the student.

<p>This course will provide an introduction on Egyptian art focusing specifically on a diachronic analysis of statues, reliefs and paintings. The aim is acquire the basic stylistic overview of the material and the contexts as well as purpose of these objects. This is class is not designed as ‘material culture’ class and therefore cannot take into account other object categories which would simply be too much to cover in the available time frame.</p><p>For each class the readings will be discussed in depth with additional points concerning the cultural framework and context being provided by the instructor. In addition, there will be short visits to the OI museum galleries whenever appropriate. For the class presentations at the end of the Quarter, each student will select an object or a group of objects and do an in-depth analysis. This can be from a catalogue or from the OI museum / basement.</p>

What is forensic science and how do archaeologists fit into the equation? Where forensics generally refers to the application of scientific principles to matters of criminal justice, forensic archaeology is the application of archaeological methods and theories to questions of medicolegal significance. In this course, we will explore the history and development of the role of the archaeologist in forensic investigations of ancient and modern origin, on both local and global scales. We will follow the processes undertaken by forensic archaeologists during their inquiries and examine the methods utilized in a number of cases ranging from mass graves and mass disasters, to crime scenes and crimes against humanity. We will explore the role of the forensic archaeologist in the study of warfare, examine forgeries like the Piltdown Man, and analyze the process of investigation from identification and survey, to recovery, and the analysis and reporting of evidence. Finally, we will consider the ethical responsibilities and standards of archaeologists in their methodologies and the legal implications of their findings. This class is intended for both archaeologists who want to understand how their methods finds purpose and meaning in modern contexts and for students who are more generally interested in the impact of forensic archaeology on contemporary medical and legal landscapes.  

Previously taught by Mickey Dietler in Anthropology as Anthro 36200; needs to be cross-listed with Anthro

The aim of this seminar is to challenge prevailing views on Egypt's non-urban past and investigating Egypt as an early urban society. The emergence of urban features will be traced starting with the Predynastic Period up to the disintegration of the powerful Middle Kingdom state (ca. 3500–1650 BC). This seminar offers a synthesis of the archaeological data that sheds light on the different facets of urbanism in ancient Egypt. Drawing on evidence from recent excavations as well as a vast body of archaeological data, the changing settlement patterns will be explored by contrasting periods of strong political control against those of decentralization. On a microlevel, the characteristics of households and the layout of domestic architecture will be addressed, which are key elements for understanding how society functioned and evolved over time. In addition, settlement patterns will provide further insights into the formation of complex society and the role of the state in the urban development in ancient Egypt.

This course is intended to present the dominant typologies of Islamic ceramics, most of which have been studied from an art historical approach. Specific archaeological typologies will be assembled from published reports and presented in seminar meetings. Half of the course will consist of analysis of shred collections, observatory analysis of typological criteria, and training in drawing these artifacts.