ARCH 6/320 Archaeological Methods and Theory

Lectures: Thursdays at 11:30am - 2:00pm Eastern Time

Credit Hours: 3

Cost: $540 Audit; $2,085 Credit

Recorded Lectures: Yes

Description

This course introduces students to the essential archaeological methods and theoretical frameworks for interpreting and understanding the past. The class will address what archaeology is, what it can and cannot do, how to do archaeology, and how we ask questions of and understand the past using archaeology. Specifically, the class will address what archaeology teaches us about ancient diet, technology, trade, religion, environmental conditions, and more. We will also see how archaeological methods and theories have been used in biblical archaeology over the past 130 years.

Objectives

By the end of the course, a student should be able to:

• understand the main theoretical approaches used by archaeologists;
• be conversant with methods and goals of uncovering past remains via archaeology, including issues in interpreting and publishing results;
• communicate insights from their exposure to specific archaeometric approaches to investigating the past; and
• explicate the changing relationship between the archaeology of ancient Israel and biblical studies.

Equivalencies

• Biblical Archaeology
• Culture and History of Ancient Israel

Instructors

Dr. Chris McKinny: B.A., The Master's College; M.A., Jerusalem University College; M.A., Bar Ilan University; Ph.D., Bar Ilan University. Research Fellow, Gesher Media. Excavations at Tel Burna, Tell es-Safi, Kiriath-jearim, and Horvat Eres. Senior staff member, Tel Burna Archaeological Project. Ordained minister. Published author. Began teaching at JUC in 2021.

Dr. Kyle Keimer: B.A., The Ohio State University; M.A., Wheaton College; Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles. Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Macquarie University. Co-Director of the Khirbet el-Ra'i excavations. Co-Host of OnScript: The Biblical World podcast. Excavations at Khirbet el-Ra'i, Azekah, Jaffa, Hazor, and Caesarea Maritima. Extensive publications. Began teaching at JUC in 2022.