What is Geoarchaeology?
Geoarchaeology has been described as
"The contribution of earth sciences to the interpretation of
archaeological context" (Bruce Gladfelter, American
Antiquity, 1977). Geoarchaeology may also be defined as "Archaeology
done by means of geological methods, techniques or concepts" (Karl Butzer, Journal of Field Archaeology, 1980).
Geoarchaeology involves a number of sciences that can contribute to the
interpretation of an archaeological site. Among the types of studies geoarchaeologists undertake are archaeological site
location by physical and chemical methods, geomorphological
analysis, stratigraphic studies, analysis of
sediments and archaeological deposits, environmental analysis, and examining
the relationship between human activities and the landscape.
What is the Geoarchaeology Minor?
The
Geoarchaeology Minor is a 22 credit interdisciplinary minor administered by the
Department of Geography and Earth Science, The minor is open to students in the
College of Liberal Studies and the College of Science and Allied Health.
The course requirements for
the minor are ARC 200, ESC 222, ARC 310, GEO/ESC 323, GEO/ESC 426, GEO/ESC 343,
and one course from ARC 403 or ARC 404. Geography majors who select the
Geoarchaeology Minor must take 18 credits in the courses listed above in
addition to the 36 required for the major. Archaeological Studies majors who
select the Geoarchaeology Minor must take 19 credits in the courses listed
above in addition to the 36 required for the major.
Who Minors in Geoarchaeology?
Although most
students who select the minor in Geoarchaeology will be Geography majors or
Archaeological Studies majors, the minor can complement several other majors in
both the natural and social sciences.
Who is Involved in Geoarchaeology?
Faculty and staff
from three programs at the
For more information contact:
Dr.
Dean G. Wilder
Department of Geography and
Earth Science
University of Wisconsin - La
Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
Phone: 608-785-8332
E-mail: wilder.dean@uwlax.edu