Overview
This course provides an introduction to theory and methods in archaeological research, data collection, and analysis. The objective is to familiarize you with the strategies that are employed in the investigation of archaeological remains and how these strategies further the aims of an anthropological archaeology. Grades will be based on two in-class exams, two section quizzes, and weekly assignments. Learn more about the course structure and opportunities in the general syllabus guidelines.
I have created a course web page for Introduction to Archaeology using the University's Canvas program. You can access the course web page by logging onto the Canvas system, which will display all existing web pages for your courses. Choose Anth. 220 from the display list and you can access the course syllabus, assignments, lecture notes and illustrations, extra credit opportunities, practice quizzes, and other online class resources.
Course Requirements and PoliciesExams, Quizzes, and Assignments
Your grade will be based on your performance on 2 in-class exams, 2 section quizzes, and 10 discussion section homework/exercises:
| Graded Component | % of Course Grade | Schedule |
| Section Assignments & Labs | 25 | Weekly |
| Quiz 1 | 10 | Sept. 24 |
| Midterm Examination | 25 | Oct. 20 |
| Quiz 2 | 10 | Nov. 12 |
| Final Examination | 30 | Dec. 10 |
When taking exams and quizzes and completing written assignments, you will be responsible for knowing the concepts and terms discussed in the assigned readings, in the films shown in class, and in the topics covered in lectures, discussion sections, handouts, and web page or power point summaries. When completing assignments, be careful that you do not plagiarize the works of another; that is, do not present the work or words of another person in a verbatim manner as your own. Consult the UIUC student code for more guidelines on academic integrity. Assignments handed in late will lose 10% of the possible credit after the class in which they are due, and 10% more for each subsequent day late. No make-ups are provided for missed exams, quizzes, or assignments in the absence of documented and legitimate medical or family emergencies.
Attendance and Participation
Your regular attendance and active participation are of central importance for this course to provide you with both a fun and satisfying educational experience. Good attendance, class preparation, and note-taking practices will be very important for your ability to perform well, particularly on exams and quizzes.
Required Texts
 Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice, by Colin Renfrew, Paul Bahn, and Elizabeth DeMarrais (Thames & Hudson, 9th ed. 2024). This text is available at the University bookstores and can also be obtained from other vendors of your choosing.
Other required or suggested readings may consist of short articles or text excerpts that provide additional information related to the subjects we are covering in our main textbook. These articles will be available online in the course web page on Canvas.
Class Meeting Times and Locations:
The class meets as an entire group on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00am to 11:50am in Room 329 Davenport Hall. Chris Fennell's office hours, Room 296 Davenport Hall, are on Mondays, 1:00pm to 3:00pm; please contact me by email to schedule a time. The smaller Discussion Sections meet for one hour at 10:00am and 11:00am on Fridays in Room 116 of Davenport Hall.
Course Instructor: Chris Fennell, office in 296 Davenport Hall, cell phone (312) 513-2683; email cfennell@illinois.edu.
Class Schedule and Readings:
Week 1. Aug. 25, 27 & 29. Overview & Introduction to Course
Introductory comments and overview of structure of course.
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Preface.
Discussion section, Aug. 29: Discussion section organizational meeting.
Labor Day break! Sept. 1.
Week 2. Sept. 3 & 5. History of the Discipline; Archaeology as Anthropology
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapter 1.
Discussion section, Sept. 5: History of archaeology.
 
Week 3. Sept. 8, 10 & 12. Archaeological Data and Contexts
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapter 2.
Discussion section, Sept. 12: Time Team America: New Philadelphia.
Week 4. Sept. 15, 17 & 19. Site Reconnaissance, Surveys & Excavations
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapter 3.
Discussion section, Sept. 19: Archaeological Data Scavenger Hunt.
Week 5. Sept. 22, 24 & 26. Advances in Archaeological Survey Methods; Quiz 1
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapter 3 (cont'd).
Discussion section, Sept. 26: Quiz 1.
 
Week 6. Sept. 29, Oct. 1 & 3 Dating and Chronologies
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapter 4.
Discussion section, Oct. 3: Artifact Identification Lab.
Week 7. Oct. 6, 8 & 10. Archaeology of Social Complexity
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapter 5.
Discussion section, Oct. 10: Power, Prestige and Wealth: China's Terra Cotta Warriors.
Week 8. Oct. 13, 15 & 17. Past Environments
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapter 6.
Discussion section, Oct. 17: Review session for Midterm Exam.
Week 9. Oct. 20, 22 & 24. Subsistence and Diet; Midterm Exam
Midterm Exam, Oct. 20.
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapter 6 (cont'd).
Discussion section, Oct. 24: Past Environments and Archaeometry.
Week 10. Oct. 27, 29 & 31. Technologies
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapter 7.
Discussion section, Oct. 31: Ceramic and Lithic Technologies.
Week 11. Nov. 3, 5 & 7. Trade & Exchange
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapter 7 (cont'd).
Discussion section, Nov. 7: Trade and Exchange: Occaneechi Town.
Week 12. Nov. 10, 12 & 14. Archaeology of People and Physiologies; Quiz 2
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapter 8.
Discussion section, Nov. 14: Quiz 2.
Week 13. Nov. 17, 19 & 21. Ideology, Symbolism & Cognitive Approaches
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapter 9.
Discussion section, Nov. 21: Iceman Murder Mystery.
Thanksgiving break! Nov. 22 to Nov. 30.
Week 14. Dec. 1, 3 & 5. Explanation and Interpretation in Archaeology
Readings: Renfrew & Bahn Chapters 10 and 11.
Discussion section, Dec. 5: Debates, Interpretations & Ethics: Assignment TBA.
Week 15. Dec. 8. Future of the Past & Who Owns the Past?
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