🏛️Archaeology of Colonial America

What do you learn in Archaeology of Colonial America

You'll explore the material culture of early American settlers, from Jamestown to the Revolutionary War. The course covers excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and historical research methods. You'll study Native American interactions, colonial life, trade networks, and how archaeology sheds light on the daily lives of people during this pivotal period in American history.

Is Archaeology of Colonial America hard?

It's not a walk in the park, but it's definitely manageable. The toughest part is probably memorizing all the different artifact types and their significance. Field trips and hands-on activities make it more engaging than your average history class. As long as you keep up with the readings and pay attention during labs, you should be fine.

Tips for taking Archaeology of Colonial America in college

1. Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline of colonial events to keep everything in context
3. Practice sketching artifacts - it'll help you remember their features
4. Watch "Jamestown" or "Turn: Washington's Spies" for a visual feel of the era
5. Visit local historical sites or museums to see artifacts firsthand
6. Form a study group to discuss readings and share notes
7. Make flashcards for key terms like "seriation" and "stratigraphy"
8. Read "In Small Things Forgotten" by James Deetz for extra insight

Common pre-requisites for Archaeology of Colonial America

1. Introduction to Archaeology: This course covers basic archaeological methods and theories. You'll learn about excavation techniques, dating methods, and how to interpret archaeological data.

2. American History to 1877: This class provides a broad overview of early American history. It covers the colonial period, American Revolution, and early republic, giving you essential background knowledge.

Classes similar to Archaeology of Colonial America

1. Historical Archaeology: This course focuses on using both archaeological and historical sources to study the recent past. You'll learn how to integrate written records with material evidence.

2. Native American Archaeology: Explore the prehistoric and historic archaeology of indigenous peoples in North America. You'll study ancient civilizations and the impact of European contact.

3. Maritime Archaeology: Dive into the study of shipwrecks and underwater sites. You'll learn about specialized techniques for excavating and preserving submerged artifacts.

4. Archaeology of the Atlantic World: This class examines the connections between Europe, Africa, and the Americas during the colonial period. You'll study trade networks, cultural exchanges, and the impact of colonization.

Majors related to Archaeology of Colonial America

1. Archaeology: Focuses on the study of human history through the excavation and analysis of artifacts and physical remains. Students learn field methods, lab techniques, and how to interpret material culture.

2. Anthropology: Examines human cultures, both past and present, through a holistic approach. Students study cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeological aspects of human societies.

3. History: Concentrates on analyzing and interpreting past events through written records and other sources. Students develop critical thinking skills and learn to contextualize historical events.

4. American Studies: Explores American culture, society, and identity through an interdisciplinary lens. Students examine literature, art, politics, and social movements to understand the American experience.

What can you do with a degree in Archaeology of Colonial America?

1. Museum Curator: Oversees collections, designs exhibits, and educates the public about historical artifacts. You'll work with a variety of objects and help bring history to life for museum visitors.

2. Cultural Resource Manager: Protects and preserves archaeological sites and historical resources. You'll work with government agencies or private firms to ensure compliance with preservation laws.

3. Historical Archaeologist: Conducts excavations and research on sites from the recent past. You'll uncover and interpret artifacts to better understand historical events and daily life in colonial America.

4. Historic Preservationist: Works to protect and restore historic buildings and sites. You'll use your knowledge of colonial architecture and material culture to maintain the authenticity of historical structures.

Archaeology of Colonial America FAQs

1. Do we go on field trips? Most professors try to include at least one field trip to a local archaeological site or museum. Some courses even offer optional field schools during summer breaks.

2. How much writing is involved? Expect to write several short papers and probably one longer research paper. You'll also need to keep detailed field notes during any practical exercises.

3. Is this course only about British colonies? While British colonies are a major focus, the course typically covers other European settlements too. You'll learn about Dutch, French, and Spanish colonial efforts in North America as well.