Faculty of Arts and Science
Introduction to Archaeology
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
The basic concepts of archaeology and archaeological research. Using examples from around the world, emphasis will be placed on understanding fundamental principles and techniques employed in archaeological problem solving. Material covered will include dating and excavation methodologies, material and artifact analysis, culture-environment interaction and critical evaluation of archaeological interpretation.
Lib Ed Req:Science or Social Science
Old World Archaeology
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
A survey of major cultural developments in Africa, Asia, and Europe from the origins of agriculture and development of complex civilizations through to the advent of the medieval era.
Prerequisite(s):Archaeology 1000
Lib Ed Req:Social Science
Archaeology of the Americas and Oceania
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
A survey of major cultural developments in the Americas and Oceania from the end of the ice age to European contact.
Prerequisite(s):Archaeology 1000
Equivalent:Archeology 2850 (Archaeology of the Americas and Oceania) (prior to 2024/2025)
Lib Ed Req:Social Science
Archaeological Science (Series)
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
Prerequisite(s):One of Archaeology 1000 or a previous course (3.0 credit hours) in Archaeology
Lib Ed Req:Science
Archaeology of North America
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
Other hours per term: 0-0-8
Major issues in the archaeology of North America including population movements during the Pleistocene and the development of regional adaptations. A one-day field trip will be scheduled on a Saturday.
Prerequisite(s):One of Archaeology 1000 or a previous course (3.0 credit hours) in Archaeology
Lib Ed Req:Social Science
Plains Archaeology
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
Other hours per term: 0-0-8
An examination of the human history of the North American Great Plains from the earliest known occupation to the arrival of Europeans. Emphasis on interpretation and analysis of Plains material culture and the application of techniques such as lithic studies, zooarchaeology and ethnoarchaeology. A field trip will be scheduled.
Prerequisite(s):One of Archaeology 1000 or a previous course (3.0 credit hours) in Archaeology
Lib Ed Req:Social Science
Syro-Palestinian Archaeology
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
The growth and development of the discipline of Syro-Palestinian Archaeology in a general survey of exploration, excavation and scholarly research; and an examination of the archaeological evidence from prehistoric times to the end of the Iron Age.
Prerequisite(s):One of Archaeology 1000 or a previous course (3.0 credit hours) in Archaeology
Lib Ed Req:Social Science
Ancient Israel
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
Major issues and problems in the archaeology of Iron Age Israel and its environs, including Israelite origins, the nature of the Israelite state, and the material culture of Ancient Israel and its neighbours.
Prerequisite(s):One of Archaeology 1000 or a previous course (3.0 credit hours) in Archaeology
Lib Ed Req:Social Science
Archaeological Field Work (Series)
Credit hours: 3.00
Other hours per term: 0-0-210
Training in excavation techniques, principles and problems on location at various archaeological sites around the world. Inasmuch as this course involves travel to and residence at remote archaeological sites, costs borne by students vary but may range up to several thousand dollars.
Prerequisite(s):One of Archaeology 1000 or a previous course (3.0 credit hours) in Archaeology AND
Application to the department
Lib Ed Req:Science
Archaeological Regions, Periods, and Themes (Series)
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
This series explores archaeological issues from different regions and periods.
Prerequisite(s):One of Archaeology 1000 or a previous course (3.0 credit hours) in Archaeology
Equivalent:Any offering in the Archaeology 3000 Series with the same title as the offering in the Archaeology 3400 Series
Archaeology 3600/Liberal Education 3600
Human Evolution
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
Theories and major developments in the study of human evolution. Examination of hominid fossils and stone tools in order to understand human biological and cultural development. Contributions made by various disciplines to this research area are reviewed.
Prerequisite(s):One of Archaeology 1000, a previous course (3.0 credit hours) in Archaeology, or Third-year standing (a minimum of 60.0 credit hours)
Lib Ed Req:Science
Geoarchaeology and Landscape Analysis
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-3-0
Other hours per term: 0-0-16
Site formation processes, both natural and cultural; ancient and modern landscapes; analysis of archaeological features in geoarchaeological contexts. Two one-day field trips will be scheduled on Saturdays.
Prerequisite(s):One of Archaeology 1000 or a previous course (3.0 credit hours) in Archaeology
Lib Ed Req:Science
Archaeological Materials Analysis
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-3-0
Laboratory analysis of archaeological remains such as lithic artifacts, groundstones, ceramics, faunal remains, shell and bone artifacts, perishables, botanical remains, and historical artifacts.
Prerequisite(s):One course (3.0 credit hours) in Archaeology at the 3000 level
Lib Ed Req:Science
Advanced Archaeological Science (Series)
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
Prerequisite(s):One 3000-level course (3.0 credit hours) in Archaeology
Lib Ed Req:Science
Advanced Archaeological Theory (Series)
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
This series examines the influence of theory in Archaeology.
Prerequisite(s):Two 3000-level courses (6.0 credit hours) in Archaeology
Advanced New and Old World Archaeology (Series)
Credit hours: 3.00
Contact hours per week: 3-0-0
Selected problems relating archaeological theory, analyses, and/or field work.
Prerequisite(s):One 3000-level course (3.0 credit hours) in Archaeology
Lib Ed Req:Science or Social Science
Undergraduate Thesis
Credit hours: 6.00
Contact hours per week: Variable
This is a research-oriented course in which students will conduct research, submit a report in the form of an Undergraduate Thesis which will be made publicly available, and report orally on the work. In consultation with the Thesis Supervisor, students will define a research problem and formulate a research plan.
Prerequisite(s):Fourth-year standing (a minimum of 90.0 credit hours) AND
A minimum GPA of 3.30 calculated on all completed University of Lethbridge courses or calculated on all University of Lethbridge and transferable courses taken within the terms containing the last 20 courses (60.0 credit hours), whichever is higher AND
An Independent Study (3990) in Archaeology or Geography
Note:Contact hours will vary. Students should be aware that this course involves regular contact with the Thesis Supervisor as well as considerable independent work.