Anthropology 397EX - ST- Experimental Archaeology

Experimental archaeology involves the replication of artifacts, techniques, or processes from the past in order to test hypotheses or gather systematic data. Archaeological experiments span widely, from grand ideas like sailing a primitive raft across the Pacific Ocean, to simply testing the form, function and efficiency of projectile weapons like the atlatl. In this course, students will enjoy the opportunity to conduct archaeological experiments, such as building and testing an atlatl, producing stone tools ("knapping"), making cordage and pottery, recreating soundscapes with replicas of ancient instruments, and modeling ancient structures. This is considered a "doing" course. It involves hands-on, experiential learning devoted to exploring empirical science as archaeological research method. No prerequisites.