Unit 1
Introduction to Archaeology

Although archaeology in Alberta has developed relatively recently, it can be viewed as part of the larger study of prehistory around the world. The goal of this unit is to give you a brief review of the basic methods and theory of archaeological research. The unit describes the development of archaeology as a discipline and the concepts that are essential to an understanding of the nature of archaeological research. The special relationship between anthropology and archaeology in North America is also discussed.

Learning Objectives

When you have completed this unit, you should be able to

1. briefly outline the development of the discipline of archaeology from the writings of the Greek poet Hesiod to today’s technology-based, scientific archaeology.
2. explain the two major theoretical approaches of contemporary archaeologists.
3. define the four major subdisciplines of anthropology, and describe three specifications in the subdiscipline of archaeology.
4. discuss five reasons why archaeology is important to modern society.
5. describe and discuss the four important goals of archaeology.
6. differentiate between relative, absolute, and chronometric dating and provide two examples of each type.
7. distinguish between the methods and results of archaeological survey and excavation.
8. define the four major types of technology found in archaeological sites, and describe how archaeologists approach their analysis.
9. define the following terms:
   
   Archaeological record
   Archaeological type
   Attribute
   Classification
   Component
   Context
   Cultural system
   Culture
   Culture change
   Phase
   Taxonomy
   Typology