COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course examines the major theoretical frameworks within academic archaeology by which inferences have been made about the past and archaeological knowledge has been produced. Course content emphasizes 20th century developments in American archaeology, especially its shifting relationships with sociocultural anthropology. Readings are chosen from the older, seminal writings as well as more current essays on theory. This literature is approached in topical and chronological order to assess the major theoretical developments in their historical context, to understand how ideas emerged in relation to earlier issues. Methodology (middle-level theory) is also included, but the emphasis is on higher-level social science theories. Through this critical survey, students will be introduced to the different theoretical approaches in use in contemporary archaeology.

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND STUDENT GOALS: Students are expected to gain a strong foundation in the major social science concepts and problems upon which anthropological archaeology is based, relating empirical research to underlying abstract ideas and perspectives. They should become familiar with the different perspectives and approaches to the past in American archaeology, the tenets upon which these perspectives are based, and the strengths and limitations that they pose. They should learn how to critique theories and their applications to data, and reflect on how knowledge of the past has been constructed and interpreted. They will apply their knowledge to data sets as a way of better comprehending how different theoretical frameworks will lead to different interpretations of the past.

COURSE FORMAT: IMPORTANT: This course combines lectures with group and class discussions! Specific portions of class time are set aside for discussions and written assignments in which everyone is expected to participate and to be prepared. Even during the lectures, students are expected to ask/answer questions about the material. You cannot simply sit back and be passive; you must actively participate. You are being asked to think and reflect on complex and abstract concepts, and to apply them yourself.

REQUIRED READINGS: No textbook adequately covers all the topics examined in this course. Thus, required readings are drawn from journal articles, chapters in anthologies, and excerpts from books. They have been organized into a single course packet. Assigned readings for each class meeting are given in the course outline that follows. You must read the assignments before that class.

Students are required to take and show their notes on the readings to the instructor at the beginning of each class. This is to encourage critical analysis of each reading.

In order to learn how to read critically, take notes on the following for each reading:

• What is the author's main point(s)?
• What are the key concepts? How are key words defined?
• What are the author's assumptions, both explicit and implicit?
• How does this author criticize other authors' works?
• How does this author propose to overcome those alleged shortcomings?
• With what other readings would you align, or contrast, this work? 

CLASS PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE POLICY: Because the course is designed around lectures, in-class discussions, and group projects that deal with complex ideas, missing class will prove detrimental to your understanding of that material and ultimately to your final grade. If you must miss class, it is YOUR responsibility to obtain the lecture notes from a classmate. Attendance is taken every class period, and together with class participation (discussion, group projects, and written exercises) counts towards 20% of the final grade. Consistent absences will result in a substantial drop in the final grade. Only involuntary absences will be excused, and documentation must be presented to support your request for an excused absence. Failure to be prepared for the discussion, or to participate in group projects, is not much different from being absent and will also be noted.

EXAMS: Two in-class midterms and a cumulative take-home final exam, all of which cover lectures and readings, will be administered. They consist of short- and long-answer essays. The two midterms are each worth 25% of the final grade, and the final is worth 30%, for a total of 80%. Missed Exams may be made up ONLY if you have a valid excuse for an involuntary absence during the exam period and if you (or someone on your behalf) has informed the professor before the exam begins that you have a valid excuse. Missed exams should be made up within one week of the original exam period at the instructor's convenience.

GRADES: All grades in this course are earned, not negotiated. Grading is based on mastery of the course material as determined from the exams (80%), plus class participation and group or individual projects (20%). Letter grades are assigned only at the end of the semester, according to the following scale: 90-100% = A (minimally 270 out of 300 points), 80-89% = B (240-269 points), 70-79% = C (210-239 points), 60=69% = D (180 points needed to pass). There is no "extra" credit.

Federal privacy regulations prevent the release of scores and grades over the phone or by email. Please do not ask for your test scores or letter grades by these means. If you want to know your final grade early, give a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the professor during the final exam period.

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: Lectures may not be tape-recorded without the prior express written permission of Susan D. Gillespie. The contents of the syllabus, lectures, lecture outlines, and handouts for this course are copyrighted, intended for the private use of students registered in ANT 4110. They may not legally be reproduced or used for other purposes.

ACCEPTANCE OF COURSE REQUIREMENTS: By remaining registered in this class, you agree to accept the course requirements and expectations as stated in this syllabus. These are in addition to other general University requirements and codes of conduct as stated in official documents.

All students must fill out the back page of this syllabus and return it to the professor before the day of the first exam. This is a course requirement.

VI. Research Design: Models and Paradigms
Clarke 1972: Models and Paradigms in Contemporary Archaeology (excerpt)
1-page diagram: Settlement Pattern Models

XXI. Post-Processual Interpretations: Individual, Meaning, and Context
Hodder 1985: Postprocessual Archaeology

Take-home final exam distributed (Due date TBA)

1) Students seeking modification of due dates for assignments and exams for religious reasons (e.g., holiday observance) should feel free to contact the Professor and request this modification. 2) Students seeking any classroom accommodation to facilitate their education must first register with the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student, who must then provide this documentation to the Professor when requesting accommodation. 3) The University reminds every student of the implied pledge of Academic Honesty: on any work submitted for credit the student has neither received nor given unauthorized aid. This refers to cheating and plagiarism. Students should consult the Student Guide at www.dso.ufl.edu/stg/ for information. For more information about what plagiarism is and how to avoid it and its dire consequences, visit www.csubak.edu/ssric/Modules/Other/plagiarism.htm

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