HIS 307 - Archaeological Field Methods and Material Culture

Course Cross-listed with JS 307P/POL 377/SOC 307
3 credit(s)
Area/Group Designation: History of Asia and the Middle East

This course is an introduction to excavation techniques and material culture. It includes principles of excavation and recording, material culture identification/processing, and field study tours. Early synagogues and church architecture serve as foci for analysis. This course contains a full introduction to the methodology of Near Eastern archaeology from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, practical instruction in ceramic typology and Semitic inscriptions, and a survey of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine society. Daily field-school instruction is from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (total: 15 days of excavation). Lectures and workshops take place each afternoon. This course is linked to an integrated companion course, Archaeology of the Land of Israel. All students complete field- and class work for both courses.

Click here for Fall 2024 course scheduling information.

Click here for Spring 2025 course scheduling information.