Course Descriptions
Not all courses described in the Course and Program Catalogue are offered each year. For a timetable of courses offered in 2013-2014, please consult the online registration information.
As of 2005-2006, certain course abbreviations have changed. Students with credit for a course under its
former label may not take the relabeled course for credit.
The following conventions are used for course numbering:
- 010-099 represent non-degree level courses
- 100-699 represent undergraduate degree level courses
- 700-999 represent graduate degree level courses
Please use the following form to look up courses and find detailed information on course
prerequisites, corequisites, and other special notes. To view all 100-level courses in a subject,
select a Subject Code and type 1% in the Course Number field. (200-level = 2%, etc.)
Results
ARCH 112.3 — 1/2(3L)The Human Journey Introduction to Archaeology and Biological Anthropology
This course introduces students to the basic principles of archaeology and biological anthropology by examining human evolutionary and cultural development. The course follows the journey of humanity from our earliest bipedal ancestors, through the emergence of anatomically modern humans, to the eventual advent of agriculture and development of complex urban states.
Formerly: ANTH 112.
Note: Students with previous credit for ANTH 110 or 112 may not take this course for credit.
ARCH 116.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Near Eastern and Classical Archaeology
Introduction to the archaeology of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel and surrounding regions, Greece and Rome. The course examines how archaeologists use material remains to reconstruct ancient societies, focusing on the archaeological characteristics and cultural dynamics of major periods, and the relationship between human communities and the environment.
ARCH 244.3 — 1/2(3L)Archaeology and Cultural Development Ancient Israel and Syria Late Bronze Age to Hellenistic Period
Examines the archaeological reconstruction of cultural development in the regions of ancient Israel and Syria from the Late Bronze Age to the Hellenistic Period, focusing on methodological issues, major sites, and the defining characteristics of the cultures themselves.
Formerly: CLAS 244
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 112 OR 116.
Note: ARCH 243 is recommended. Students with credit for CLAS 237 or 244 may not take this course for credit.
ARCH 250.3 — 1/2(3L-1P)Introduction to Archaeological Science
A study of the theory, methods and techniques used by archaeologists in survey, excavation, analysis and interpretation. Emphasizes methods and techniques. Laboratory instruction will be given in the handling of archaeological material and data.
Formerly: ANTH 250.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 112 or 116.
ARCH 251.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Archaeological Interpretation
How do archaeologists reconstruct the lives of past peoples from the material remains they left behind? This course introduces the student to the methods, techniques and theoretical models used by archaeologists as they answer questions about our human past and the emergence of modern societies.
Formerly: ANTH 251.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 112 or 116.
ARCH 252.3 — 1/2(3L-1P)Near Eastern Archaeological Field Work
Introduces students to the excavation and laboratory methods used in Near Eastern archaeology. Beginning with research design, the course leads students through the techniques of excavation in the field to the analysis of artifacts and data in the lab.
Prerequisite(s): 12 credit units in Archaeology or 30 credit units at the university.
ARCH 257.3 — 1/2(3L)Archaeology of Ancient Egypt
A study of the archaeological evidence for the reconstruction of ancient Egyptian culture from the Neolithic through to the Roman periods, focusing on the particular characteristics of archaeology in Egypt, major cultural periods, and significant sites.
Formerly: ANTH 257.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 112 or 116.
ARCH 258.3 — 1/2(3L)Archaeology of Ancient Mesopotamia
A study of the archaeological evidence for the development of the cultures of ancient Mesopotamia from the Neolithic through to the Persian periods, focusing on the particular characteristics of Mesopotamian archaeology, major cultural periods, significant sites, and the relation of urban centres to the surrounding regions.
Formerly: ANTH 258.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 112 or 116.
ARCH 270.3 — 1(3L-3P)Human Evolution
An introductory overview of human biology including the background for evolutionary biology, and the evolution, structure, and function of certain primate patterns.
Formerly: ANTH 270.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 112 or (BIOL 120 and 121).
Note: BIOL 120 and 121 is strongly recommended. It is expected that students will have had Biology 30 with a laboratory, or BIOL 107.
ARCH 298.3 — 1/2(3L)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.
ARCH 299.6 — 1&2(3L)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.
ARCH 300.3 — 1/2(3R)Reading Course
Supervised reading courses in a particular aspect of one of the branches of anthropology not offered in lecture form in this department. A detailed reading program will be designed on an individual basis and will be guided by regular consultation with one or more faculty members. The student is required to prepare a comprehensive proposal for approval by the Head of the Department and make arrangements with a professor to supervise the course. Students must discuss the project with the Department Head before registration.
ARCH 301.3 — 1/2(3R)Reading Course
Supervised reading courses in a particular aspect of one of the branches of anthropology not offered in lecture form in this department. A detailed reading program will be designed on an individual basis and will be guided by regular consultation with one or more faculty members. The student is required to prepare a comprehensive proposal for approval by the Head of the Department and make arrangements with a professor to supervise the course. Students must discuss the project with the Department Head before registration.
Prerequisite(s): Minimum of 24 undergraduate anthropology/archaeology credit units.
Note: Not more than 3 credit units will be allowed for calculation of honours standing or scholarship recommendation. These courses are not available for graduate credit.
ARCH 344.3 — 1/2(3L)The Archaeology of Gender
Will introduce students to the study of prehistoric cultures through a gender-inclusive approach. The analysis of selected old and new world sites will focus on the ways in which the social construction of gender may be visible in the archaeological record.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 250 or 251 or permission of the instructor.
ARCH 350.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Boreal Forest Archaeology
An introduction to the archaeology of the boreal forest region stretching from Quebec to the northern prairie provinces, and including southern Keewatin and adjacent southeastern Mackenzie. The archaeological cultures will be discussed in detail and the methodological and theoretical approaches to the archaeology of this region.
Formerly: ANTH 350.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 250 or 251.
ARCH 352.3 — 1/2(3L-2P)Historical Archaeology
Study of the method and theory of historical archaeology in North America with emphasis on recent developments in the field. Topics include critical use of documentary sources, historic artifact and faunal analyses, pattern recognition, frontier archaeology and others will be explored.
Formerly: ANTH 352.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 250 or 251.
ARCH 353.3 — 1/2(3L)Plains Archaeology
A survey of the prehistory of the Plains region of North America with emphasis on the recognition and examination of archaeological problems.
Formerly: ANTH 353.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 250 or 251.
ARCH 354.3 — 1(3L)The Archaeology of Culture Contact
Examines the nature and consequences of early contacts between indigenous peoples and Europeans by utilizing the archaeological record, supplemented by ethnohistorical and historical sources. The primary focus will be North America north of Mexico with comparative case studies from interactions in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 250 or 251.
ARCH 356.3 — 1/2(2L-1S)Development of Complex Cultures in Eastern Mediterranean and Near Eastern Regions
A study of the development of complex cultures in the eastern Mediterranean and Near Eastern regions from the hunting and gathering societies of the Upper Palaeolithic period to the establishment of complex urban cultures during the Early Bronze Age, with an emphasis on the geographical areas of ancient Syria and Israel.
Formerly: ANTH 356
Prerequisite(s): One of ARCH 243, 244, 250 or 251.
ARCH 357.3 — 1(3L)The Archaeology of Prairie Settlement
Based largely on evidence gained from the archaeological record supplemented by input from history, cultural geography and other disciplines, this course will give students the opportunity to explore the ways in which people have adapted to the challenges of living in the prairie environment. Topics such as the archaeological evidence of spatial patterning of settlements, social context of built environment, use and organization of space, gender, ethnicity and the material culture of settlement will be examined. Case studies dealing with the archaeology of indigenous settlement on the plains, the fur trade, Metis, ranching era and homestead era as well as others will form the focus of discussion.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 250 or ARCH 251 or permission of the instructor.
ARCH 360.3 — 1/2(3L)Archaeological Resource Management
Provides a theoretical and methodological introduction to the management and conservation of archaeological sites and materials. Examines federal and provincial legislation, contract research and public involvement. Case studies and in-depth areas of contract archaeology will be discussed.
Formerly: ANTH 360.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 250 or 251.
ARCH 361.6 — SP&SU(60P)Archaeological Field Methods
Six weeks of field experience in archaeological research techniques including site survey, excavation, and laboratory analysis. The field location will depend on areas of departmental projects. Offered only in Spring and Summer Session.
Formerly: ANTH 361.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 250 or 251.
Note: Students with credit for ANTH 261 may not take this course for credit.
ARCH 383.3 — 1/2(1T-80P)Career Internship in Cultural Resource Management
Designed to provide students with an opportunity to participate first-hand in cultural resource management and regulation, including such activities as site inventory, recording and impact mitigation practices, data management and (if done in conjunction with the provincial Heritage Branch) site inventory management, land development screening, impact assessment review and compliance and possible experience in legislative review and First Nations initiatives. Work experience in the museum context of artifact conservation may also be available.
Prerequisite(s): 60 credit units at the university level including Arch 360.3
Note:Requires 80 hours in total.
ARCH 385.3 — 1/2(3L-1P)Computer Applications in Archaeology
Explores the interaction between archaeological theory, excavation methods, and modes of analysis, and various computer applications, such as databases, computer assisted mapping and drawing programs, and geographic information systems utilized in archaeological research.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 250, 251 and an additional 6 credit units of archaeology at the 200/300 level or permission of the department.
ARCH 398.3 — 1/2(3S)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
ARCH 399.6 — 1&2(3S)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
ARCH 403.3 — 2(4P-.5T)Analysis and Public Exhibition of Cultural Artifacts
Independent study of a particular cultural artifact or artifact type, culminating in the public presentation of an exhibit in the Museum of Antiquities. Includes practical experience as a volunteer in the Museum.
Permission of the head of ARCH and ANTH required.
Prerequisite(s): 60 credit units at the university.
Note: Students with credit for CMRS 403 cannot take this course for credit.
ARCH 452.3 — 1/2(3L)Selected Topics in Archaeology
Formerly: ANTH 452.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 251 and 3 credit units in senior archaeology.
ARCH 455.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Lithic Technology
Basics of stone tool manufacturing and usage, including the analysis of materials, breakage, debitage, typologies, use wear, and Old and New World tool classes. The behavioral and social context of lithic technology will also be emphasized.
Formerly: ANTH 455.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 251 or 250 and a 300-level archaeology course.
ARCH 457.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Prehistoric Pottery Technology
A broad perspective on prehistoric pottery including the nature of clays, pottery production and use, the physical properties of pottery and pottery assemblages on the Canadian plains and adjacent boreal forest.
Formerly: ANTH 457.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 251 or 250 and a 300-level archaeology course.
ARCH 458.6 — 1&2(3L)Zooarchaeology
The identification of vertebrate faunal remains from archaeological sites including an examination of interpretive procedures and quantitative methods.
Formerly: ANTH 458.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 470 or BIOL 351 or 361.
ARCH 459.3 — 1/2(3L-1.5P)Geoarchaeology
Deals with the basic components of geoarchaeology including: stratigraphy, site formation processes, and landscape reconstruction. Various methods used in paleoenvironmental reconstruction are also discussed focusing on the late Quaternary of North America.
Prerequisite(s): GEOL 121, 122, and ARCH 250.
Note: GEOL 247 is recommended. There will be costs additional to tuition fees.
ARCH 462.3 — 1/2(3L)Contemporary Archaeological Theory
Detailed survey of the basic concepts and schools of thought in contemporary archaeology considered on a world-wide basis, with emphasis on Canada and the United States. Theoretical models relating to culture history, settlement, ecological and other approaches are discussed.
Formerly: ANTH 462.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 251 and 3 senior credit units in archaeology.
Note: Students with credit for ANTH 451 may not take this course for credit.
ARCH 465.3 — 1/2(3L)Spatial Analysis of Archaeological Data
Spatial analysis examines the distribution of artifacts, ecofacts and features in the archaeological record and assesses the extent to which the distribution reflects past human activity, social structures, etc. Familiarizes students with theories of spatial analysis and provides practical experience in applying these theories to archaeological data.
Formerly: ANTH 465.
Prerequisite(s): A 300-level course in archaeology or ARCH 243 or 244.
ARCH 466.3 — 1/2(3S)Archaeology of Domestic Space
Focuses on domestic structures at sites in the Near East and Mediterranean, from the Neolithic to Roman Imperial times. Students will examine the construction and spatial organization of the house, from prehistoric and historic contexts, to analyze the complex interactions between architecture and the functioning of the household.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 251 and a 300-level ARCH course.
ARCH 470.3 — 1(3L-3P)Human Osteology
A comprehensive investigation of the human skeleton. Primary emphasis involves preparing students for archaeological fieldwork and advanced research in biological anthropology.
Formerly: ANTH 470.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 270.
ARCH 471.3 — 2(3L-3P)Forensic Anthropology
Concerned with the analysis of human skeletal materials and specifically the identification of age, sex, stature, race and other features. Laboratory sessions supplement lectures.
Formerly: ANTH 471.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 470.
ARCH 472.3 — 1/2(L)Palaeopathology
The diagnosis and interpretation of disease in antiquity and the overall health status of earlier human populations. Although skeletal pathology will be emphasized, analysis of mummified tissues and ancient DNA will be included.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 470.
ARCH 498.3 — 1/2(3S)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
ARCH 499.6 — 1&2(3S)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
ARCH 805.3 — 1/2(3S)Core Seminar in Archaeological Method and Theory
Seminars based on a series of readings dealing with the development of archaeological theory. Special emphasis will be given to anthropological archaeology and contemporary explanatory models.
Restriction: Enrolment in the Archaeology Graduate Program.
ARCH 852.3 — 1/2(3S)Seminar in Historical Archaeology
Readings and discussions of the major theoretical developments and research orientations within contemporary Historical Archaeology.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 352 or equivalent.
Permission of the instructor required.
Restriction(s): Enrolment in the Archaeology Graduate Program.
ARCH 853.3 — 1/2(3S)Graduate Seminar in Plains Archaeology
Deals with the prehistory of the Northern Plains with an emphasis on current issues and problem-solving.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 353; or equivalent.
Permission of the instructor required.
Restriction(s): Enrolment in the Archaeology Graduate Program.
ARCH 855.3 — 1/2(3S)Problems in Archaeology
Research on a selected problem in archaeology or the prehistory of a selected geographic area with a problem orientation. The subject will be examined by the class as a group and in detail through conferences, readings and laboratory work. A comprehensive report will be prepared by the class.
Permission of the instructor required.
Restriction(s): Enrolment in the Archaeology Graduate Program.
ARCH 856.3 — 1/2(3S)Graduate Seminar in Fur Trade Archaeology
Readings and discussions on the comparative methods, theoretical approaches and interpretations within archaeology of the North American interior fur trade.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 352 or permission of the instructor.
Restriction(s): Enrolment in the Archaeology Graduate Program.
ARCH 857.3 — 1/2(3S)Seminar in Pottery Analysis
Readings and discussions on the pottery produced by folk artisans in traditional settings. The mineral compositions of clays will be considered as well as the physical makeup of pottery, and its archaeological classification. There will be a practicum involving analysis and reporting on an actual pottery assemblages from the northern plains region.
Permission of the instructor required.
Restriction(s): Enrolment in the Archaeology Graduate Program.
ARCH 858.3 — 1&2(3S&2L)Zooarchaeology
A reading course in method and theory relating to the identification and interpretation of faunal materials from archaeological sites. A practicum involving actual faunal assemblages is included.
Prerequisite(s): ARCH 458. Students may take this course concurrently.
Permission of the instructor required.
Restriction(s): Enrolment in the Department of Archaeology Graduate Program.
ARCH 898.3 — 1/2/1&2(3R)Special Topics
Guided reading and discussion courses to permit advanced students to follow intensive library research into special aspects of archaeology.
Permission of the instructor required.
Restriction(s): Enrolment in the Archaeology Graduate Program.
ARCH 899.6 — 1/2/1&2(3R)Special Topics
Guided reading and discussion courses to permit advanced students to follow intensive library research into special aspects of archaeology.
Permission of the instructor required.
Restriction(s): Enrolment in the Archaeology Graduate Program.
ARCH 990.0 — 1/2/1&2Seminar
During residence, all graduate students will register in ARCH 990 and will present at least one paper based on their own research. Graduate students are required to attend and interested undergraduate students may be invited to attend.
Restriction(s): Enrolment in the Archaeology Graduate Program or permission of the Graduate Chair or designate.
ARCH 994 — 1/2/1&2Research
Students writing a Master's thesis must register for this course.
ARCH 996 — 1/2/1&2Research
Students writing a Ph.D. thesis must register for this course.
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