Archaeology and the Ancient World
Description
The concentration in Archaeology and the Ancient World provides an opportunity to explore the multi-faceted discipline of archaeology while examining the critical early civilizations of the so-called ‘Old World’– that is, the complex societies of the Mediterranean, Egypt, and Ancient Western Asia. Students will learn about the art, architecture, and material culture of the ancient world, exploring things of beauty and power, as well as the world of the everyday. Concentrators will also learn "how to do" archaeology - the techniques of locating, retrieving and analyzing ancient remains - and consider how material culture shapes our understanding of the past. Concentrators are encouraged to pursue research opportunities through summer fieldwork, museum experience, or independent study projects.
Student Goals
Students in this concentration will:
- Explore ancient buildings and objects discovered around the world
- Gain a material perspective on historical trends, events and places
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the political, social and religious contexts of ancient civilizations
- Study the theories and methodologies of archeology and ancient art history
- Consider the ethical implications of archaeological practice and the sharing of its results
- Complete a capstone experience
Requirements
Click here for a list of the Archaeology and the Ancient World concentration requirements. For more information about this concentration, please visit the department's website.
Honors and Capstones
View Honors websiteUndertaking an independent study project or doing summer fieldwork may result in a “capstone experience,” which can potentially replace certain requirements of the concentration; contact the undergraduate advisor for additional information. Honors in the concentration requires an Honors thesis. For the preparation of this thesis, students will ordinarily enroll in ARCH 1970, during the first semester of the senior year and ARCH 1990 during the second semester of the senior year. In order to qualify for Honors, students must have received more A’s than B’s in concentration courses completed. Please see the department's website for a complete description of program requirements.
Tracks
- Classical Archaeology
- Egyptian and Ancient Western Asian Archaeology
Liberal Learning
This concentration allows you to address the following Liberal Learning goals:
- Enhance your aesthetic sensibility
- Expand your reading skills
- Collaborate fully
- Understand differences among cultures
- Engage with your community
- Develop a facility with symbolic languages
- Learn what it means to study the past
- Evaluate human behavior
- Work on your speaking and writing