This course will introduce students to the field of archaeological science and its contributions to our knowledge of the human past, with an emphasis on the ancient Mediterranean especially. Students will learn about the applied analytical methods that are most used to date, source, and characterize different archaeological materials, and the scientific concepts that underpin these. The major methodologies that will be covered include C14 , dendrochronology, thin section petrography, mass spectroscopy, neutron activation analysis, and X-ray fluorescence. Throughout the semester, students will also review current topics, major debates in the field, and recent case studies from the Mediterranean.
No prior coursework in chemistry or natural sciences is required for this class. While the course introduces a range of scientific techniques, all necessary concepts will be explained in accessible terms and grounded in archaeological examples. Students are evaluated on their ability to understand, interpret, and apply methods archaeologically—not on advanced mathematical or chemical problem-solving.
No prior coursework in chemistry or natural sciences is required for this class. While the course introduces a range of scientific techniques, all necessary concepts will be explained in accessible terms and grounded in archaeological examples. Students are evaluated on their ability to understand, interpret, and apply methods archaeologically—not on advanced mathematical or chemical problem-solving.
- Teacher: Stephen Czujko