Academic Advising Resource Center

Archaeological Studies

Why take courses in the Archaeology field?

Archaeology helps us understand the past through physical remains, allowing students to explore both large changes in society, and the lives of individuals within their cultures. Courses in the archaeological studies major range from classes focused on past societies in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, to applied science courses that engage with soils, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and computer science.

What kinds of questions does Archaeology explore?

  • What can everyday objects tell us about the structure and values of a past society?

  • How can large monuments or landscapes help us understand the way people worshiped gods or celebrated communal events?

  • In what ways has historical colonialism impacted Indigenous identities today?
  • How can material culture help us tell the stories of the underprivileged or voiceless members of a society?

 

What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Archaeology?

The interdisciplinary nature of the field means there are many opportunities for students to use coursework to draw out their own interests in the field.

Taking Courses

Courses for non-majors or general interest

  • CLAS 103, CLAS 104, ANTH 102

Getting started in the major

Students interested in taking courses in the department can start with ANTH 203. GEOS 120 and CSCI 150 are strongly recommended, and students are advised to take these as early in the major as possible.

    Majoring in Archaeological Studies

    Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.

    Sample Four-Year Plans
      Fall Spring
    Y1 ANTH 203
    GEOS 120    		 CLAS 104
    Y2 CSCI 150 ANTH XXX
    RELG XXX
    Y3 Study Away GEOS 335
    CLAS 2XX
    Y4 CLAS 3XX ACHS 300
      Fall Spring
    Y1 CLAS 103 CSCI 150
    Y2 ANTH 203 GEOS 120
    Y3 ANTH 382
    ARTH XXX    		 ARTH XXX
    Y4 ANTH 460 ACHS 300

     

    Related Areas of Study

    Anthropology; Art History; Biology; Chemistry; Classics; Computer Science; Environmental Studies; Geosciences; Mathematics; Physics; Religion.

    Learn More

    Archaeological Studies Major Requirements
    Archaeological Studies Department