Archaeology, B.A.

John Gruber-Miller (chair)

Archaeology is a multi-disciplinary field that emphasizes the interpretation of material remains in order to understand a culture’s history, demographics, religions, economic exchange, political systems, and social values. Archaeologists can specialize in traditionally scientific areas, such as floral and faunal remains and forensic archaeology (biology), the chemical composition of ceramics or preservation of delicate paintings (chemistry), or the petrology and geomorphology of lithics and the ability to survey and map sites (geology). Archaeologists use computer software to record and catalog data and to map, and sometimes reconstruct, ancient sites. Historical archaeologists must be able to read coins, inscriptions, and the preserved writings of a culture (languages). Finally, archaeologists need to be able to understand human interaction (anthropology) suggested by the art and artifacts of a culture (art history). In short, to be a good archaeologist, one needs a broad liberal arts education with emphases in one or more specific areas.

Archaeology faculty members: Rhawn Denniston, John Doershuk, John Gruber-Miller, Chris Hoklotubbe,Christina Penn-Goetsch, Misha Quill, Emily Walsh