Contemporary Issues in Archaeological Theory: Requirements

Participation in class discussions (30 %): Each student is required to do the weekly readings for the course and participate in class discussions. Each class is dedicated to a theoretical problem, which will be discussed analytically in reference to assigned readings.

Short writing assignment and brief class presentations (20%): There will be a series of short writing assignments throughout the first half of the semester and one class presentation for each student of an article.

Industrial Ruins of Providence (20%). As part of the class assignments, we will collaboratively explore the industrial ruins of Providence as archaeological sites. This will give us first hand experience of exploring places with rich material histories, and the urban stories that are associated with them. These places include an abandoned bridge on Seakonk river and an abandoned amusement park. Details to follow.

Research project (30%): The students will choose a research topic in collaboration with the instructor and turn it into a project. The project should involve an analytical and critical discussion of a theoretical approach and its application to an archaeological case study. The main aim in the research project is the bridge the apparent gap between theoretical discussions in archaeology and the material evidence. The presentation of the project will involve a proposal, a draft, and a final paper. Take note of submission dates on the syllabus and start thinking about your research project within the first three weeks of the semester.

Proposals (1-2 paragraps) and preliminary bibliographies due March 20.
Final paper drafts (5-6 pages with bibliography) due May 1.
Final papers (12-20 pages for undergraduates, 14-20 pages for graduate students- assuming double spaced pages in 12 font, reasonable margins) due May 15. Deadline not negotiable.
Tips for writing papers