ARCG 5328b / ANTH 5328b / NELC 7290b, Magic and Ritual in Ancient Egypt and the Near East  John Darnell

Introduction to ancient Egyptian and Near East magic and rituals with an overview on the use of magic and discussion of the different rituals and festivals.
MW 2:30pm-3:45pm

ARCG 6136b / ANTH 6136b, Geoarchaeology: Earth and Environmental Sciences in Archaeological Investigations  Ellery Frahm

A survey of the numerous ways in which theories, approaches, techniques, and data from the earth and environmental sciences are used to address archaeological research questions. A range of interfaces between archaeology and the geological sciences are considered. Topics include stratigraphy, geomorphology, site formation processes, climate reconstruction, site location, and dating techniques.
HTBA

ARCG 6242b / NELC 7440b, Ancient Egyptian Materials and Techniques: Their Histories and Socioeconomic Implications  Gregory Marouard

This seminar investigates in detail ancient Egyptian materials, techniques, and industries through the scope of archaeology, history, and socioeconomical, textual, and iconographic data. When possible, ethnoarchaeological and experimental approaches of the antique chaîne-opératoire are discussed in order to illustrate skills and professions that have now completely disappeared. This class is organized according to various themes within a diachronical approach, from the fourth millennium BCE to the Roman period. Copper and precious metals, construction stones, hard stones and gems, glass and faience production, imported wood or ivory—we explore multiple categories of materials; where and how they were collected or exchanged; the way these products were transported, transformed, refined, or assembled; and the complex organization of the work involved and administration that was required in order to satisfy the tastes of Egyptian elites or their desires to worship their gods. Some other vernacular savoir-faire linked to everyday life and death is explored, through food production and mummification practices. The aim is not only to give an overview of the history of techniques for this early civilization but also, beyond how things were made, to acquire a more critical view of ancient Egyptian culture through material culture and the strong economic and sociological implications linked to objects and constructions―rather than the usual focus on Egyptian temples and tombs.
Th 1:30pm-3:20pm

ARCG 6345a / ARCG 645 / NELC 7430a, Archaeology of Ancient Egypt - The Age of the Pyramids  Gregory Marouard

This lecture course introduces the archaeology of ancient Egypt, beginning with an overview of the environment, climate, and history of the discipline, as well as the new archaeological methods used in contemporary fieldwork in Egypt. The course then explores ancient Egypt’s origins, starting with the Predynastic and Early Dynastic Periods (5300-2800 BCE) and continuing chronologically to the great pyramids of the Old Kingdom (2800-2055 BCE) and the Middle Kingdom (2055-1700 BCE). It covers the historical framework, the evolution of ancient Egyptian art and architecture, and material culture, and includes specific case studies of important archaeological sites and discoveries. This course is the first of two introductory lecture courses. However, it is not necessary to take both parts, and the order in which you take them does not matter. Discussion sections are included.
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

ARCG 6375a / ANTH 6375a, The Green Hell and the Mother Serpent: Amazonian Archaeology, Ethnography, and Politics  Richard Burger

Survey and seminar discussing the archaeology and ethnography of greater Amazonia, along with the political stakes of this heritage for modern Indigenous communities in the region. Introduces students to the varied geography and ecology of greater Amazonia, before delving into topics such as: the archaeological record of domestication and landscape investment by past Indigenous societies; the ethnographic and historical records of their descendants; the contested spheres of knowledge production in anthropology that underpins both of these records; and the modern political struggles that Indigenous communities face today amid deforestation and the pursuit of economic development.
HTBA

ARCG 6665b / ANTH 6665b, Evolution of Human Diet  Jessica Thompson

This course examines human nutrition and subsistence behavior from an evolutionary perspective. It begins with human nutritional literature and discussions of our biological requirements, then moves into comparison of modern human dietary ecology with those of other primates, especially our closest living relatives, the great apes. We then turn to literature that demonstrates the methods and theoretical approaches that are currently used to reconstruct past diets. As we begin to follow the evidence for changes in subsistence in the hominin lineage, case studies using these methods are integrated into discussions of how we know what we do about past nutrition. The course spends time on key issues and debates such as changes from closed-habitat to open-habitat foraging, the origins of meat-eating, the role of extractive foraging in human social systems, variation in hunter-forager subsistence systems, the origins of domestication, and the phenomenon of fad diets in industrialized nations. The course is delivered in a seminar-style format, with key readings each week that follow topical themes, with assessment based on in-class participation, critical essays, and a final research project.
W 1:30pm-3:20pm

ARCG 7075b / ANTH 7075b, Anthropology of Mobile Societies  William Honeychurch

The social and cultural significance of the ways that hunter-gatherers, pastoral nomads, maritime traders, and members of our own society traverse space. The impact of mobility and transport technologies on subsistence, trade, interaction, and warfare from the first horse riders of five thousand years ago to jet-propulsion tourists of today.
HTBA

ARCG 7116La / ANTH 7116La, Introduction to Archaeological Laboratory Sciences  Ellery Frahm

Introduction to techniques of archaeological laboratory analysis, with quantitative data styles and statistics appropriate to each. Topics include dating of artifacts, sourcing of ancient materials, remote sensing, and microscopic and biochemical analysis. Specific techniques covered vary from year to year.
W 1:30pm-4:30pm

ARCG 7150a / ANTH 7150a, Analysis of Lithic Technology  Oswaldo Chinchilla Mazariegos

This course provides an introduction to the analysis of the chipped and ground stone tools found on archaeological sites. As a laboratory course, it includes hands-on instruction: we learn how to manufacture chipped stone tools out of obsidian. We begin by reviewing the development of chipped and ground stone tool technology from the earliest simple pebble tools to historical period tools. We discuss the relevance of lithics research to issues of subsistence, craft specialization, and trade. We also discuss how these artifacts are recorded, analyzed, and drawn, and we review related studies such as sourcing and use-wear analysis.
HTBA

ARCG 7185b / ANTH 7185b, Archaeological Ceramics I  Anne Underhill

Ceramics are a rich source of information about a range of topics including ancient technology, cooking practices, craft specialization, regional trade, and religious beliefs. This course provides a foundation for investigating such topics and gaining practical experience in archaeological analysis of ceramics. Students have opportunities to focus on ceramics of particular interest to them, whether these are low-fired earthen wares, or porcelains. We discuss ancient pottery production and use made in diverse contexts ranging from households in villages to workshops in cities. In addition we refer to the abundant ethnoarchaeological data about traditional pottery production.
HTBA

ARCG 7259b / ANTH 7259b, Social Complexity in Ancient China  Anne Underhill

This seminar explores the variety of archaeological methods and theoretical approaches that have been employed to investigate the development and nature of social complexity in ancient China. The session meetings focus on the later prehistoric and early historic periods, and several geographic regions are included. They also consider how developments in ancient China compare to other areas of the world. Most of the readings emphasize archaeological remains, although relevant information from early historical texts is considered.
W 9:25am-11:15am

ARCG 7272b / ANTH 7272b, Cities in Antiquity: The Archaeology of Urbanism  Piphal Heng

Archaeological studies of ancient cities and urbanism. Topics include the origin and growth of cities; the economic, social, and political implications of urban life; and archaeological methods and theories for the study of ancient urbanism. Case studies include ancient cities around the world.
Th 1:30pm-3:20pm

ARCG 7280a / ANTH 7280a, Archaeology of Religion  Richard Burger and Piphal Heng

The course explores archaeological approaches to the study of religion. While the term “religion” is hard to define, it is generally agreed that religious phenomena occur in almost all cultures and that this realm played a significant part in most prehistoric cultures. In order to provide a broad vision of this theme, the course begins by considering influential schools of thought on the definition, origins, and social significance of religious behavior. The course then reviews a variety of methods that scholars may use to reconstruct ancient beliefs and rituals. The course assesses the applicability and success of these methodologies across the broad spectrum of ancient cultures representing differing degrees of sociopolitical complexity. Finally, we explore case studies from a diverse range of ancient societies and consider the impact of religious behaviors within their broader cultural contexts.
TTh 1pm-2:15pm

ARCG 7297a / ANTH 7297a, Archaeology of East Asia  Staff

East and Southeast Asia have increasingly emerged as hotspots for global political, economic, and cultural interactions. What were the roots and social processes that gave rise to such systems? In this seminar, we explore archaeological evidence for the development of social and political organization and religious practices, using selected examples from East and Southeast Asia spanning approximately 5000 BCE to 1500 CE. We examine four key themes: (1) the origins and timing of plant and animal domestication, (2) the emergence and impact of early metallurgy, (3) patterns of interregional interaction, and (4) the rise of sociopolitical complexity. Using a comparative archaeological perspective—focusing on settlement patterns, urbanism, craft production, monumentality, and diverse material culture—we examine how both local factors and long-distance connections shaped these trajectories. We conclude the course with a reflection on the role of archaeology in contemporary society, particularly in countries where the past is actively curated, celebrated, and contested. No background in archaeology or East/Southeast Asian studies is required. Through short lectures, weekly discussions, student presentations, and a final research paper on selected case studies, students learn how archaeological research is conducted and interpreted. By the end of the term, students are able to outline the broad historical sequence of the region from the earliest food production through the mid-second millennium CE; identify major archaeological sites and their contributions to our understanding of domestication, metallurgy, and early urbanism; and compare the historical trajectories of East and Southeast Asian societies. The course also emphasizes critical thinking and analytical reasoning, encouraging students to evaluate evidence, interrogate interpretive frameworks, and formulate informed perspectives on the region’s past.
HTBA

ARCG 8513a or b / ANTH 8513a or b, Human Osteology  Eric Sargis

A lecture and laboratory course focusing on the characteristics of the human skeleton and its use in studies of functional morphology, paleodemography, and paleopathology. Laboratories familiarize students with skeletal parts; lectures focus on the nature of bone tissue, its biomechanical modification, sexing, aging, and interpretation of lesions.
HTBA

ARCG 9053a or b, Directed Research in Archaeology and Prehistory  Staff

By arrangement with faculty.
HTBA

ARCG 9900a or b, Dir Reading  Staff

Direct Reading course for ARCG 
HTBA

ARCG 9901a or b, Master's Thesis  Staff

Master' thesis course
HTBA

ARCG 9950a or b, Master's Essay  Staff

Master's Essay for ARCG
HTBA