Course Overview

ARCHY 570: Climate Change and Archaeology

University of Washington—Spring  2005

 

 

Classroom: Denny 402

Meeting times: Monday, Wednesday; 11:30 AM – 1:20 PM

Listserve: archy570a_sp05@u.washington.edu

Website: http://faculty.washington.edu/plape/archy570sp05/archy570.htm

                       

Instructor: Peter V. Lape       

Office: Burke Museum Rm. 30 (when you visit, you must call me first from the reception desk at the rear, loading dock entrance to the Museum)

Office hours: by appointment

Office phone: 206-685-2282

Email: plape@u.washington.edu

 

Course summary:

Examine methods of paleoclimate reconstruction, theories of human-climate interaction and issues of relevance of these studies.

 

Learning goals:

By the end of the quarter, you should have gained the following:

  • An understanding of the science of paleoclimate reconstruction
  • An understanding of ways in which archaeologists have used climate data in their studies of past human societies, and relevance of these studies to contemporary concerns
  • Knowledge of the various resources (labs, equipment, people) on the UW campus that might be helpful in your research

 

Course requirements:

  • help choose and review readings as assigned (or volunteered)
  • Submit weekly updates of your EndNote annotated library to the course website
  • Complete a final project in consultation with me
  • Attend Friday Afternoon Archaeology Lectures (Fridays, 3:30 - 5:00), and other talks and events in the area (see links page for other events calendars).

 

Student assessment:

Class members will be graded on the following terms:

            50% class participation

            25% EndNote annotated libraries

25% final project

 

Other things you should know about the class:

  • This class will be primarily a seminar discussion format, with regular field trips
  • If you must miss a class meeting, please email the other participants (use the Listserve address above) to let them know

 

Supplies:

Everyone should own:

  • EndNote software (http://www.niles.com/)
  • Environmental archaeology: principles and practice by Dena Ferran Dincauze, Cambridge University Press, 2000