Study Guide

Final Exam

Final Exam Preparation ANTH13

Exam date Wednesday, December 12 12:45-2:30

Bring a Blue book to the Final

The exam will consist of 20-25 multiple choice questions evenly divided between basic
definitions, nomenclature and skill sets, four short answer questions, and higher order
concepts or theories of archaeology to be discussed in essay format.
The exam will cover material since the midterm with only a few previous issues or
concepts revisited. All lectures, videos and supplemental readings may be covered by
the exam.
Case studies 1-2
Easter Island
La Belle shipwreck
Similarities and common elements of excavation
Application of unique technologies
Central issues of analysis and site interpretation
NAGPRA
NHPA section 106
Phase I, II, III (know the difference: review your midterm)
Experimental archaeology
Read and be familiar with material in Text Chapters 7 Dating methods, 8
Bioarchaeology, and, 9 Environmental Archaeology
All archaeological dating methods
Practical use and limitations
Reconstructing the past
Maritime archaeology
Experimental archaeology
Sub categories ( replication, reconstruction, etc.)
Concepts
Cultural ecology
Specific Analogy
General Analogy
Ideology
Fieldwork logistics (mostly a revisit of concepts from chapters 4,5,6)
(How to do archaeology and the legal/ethical issues associated with it.)
Definitions
Settlement patterns
Botanical remains
Faunal remains
Postmortem

Study Guide

Final Exam

There will be three essays selected from the five shown here. Everyone will do essay 1.
Two more will be chosen randomly at the time of the exam. Prepare for all of these.
These essays are to be written in your bluebook.
Essay 1
Explain in detail provenience control and why it is so important in archaeology. Describe
the process of maintaining provenience control with artifacts collected in the field until
they reach the laboratory. What are some situations that might present special or complex
problems?
Essay 2
Using examples from the semester out of our readings, videos, or from your own topical
paper research, identify an issue where archaeology connects the historical past with the
present. This can be examined in terms of identity, politics, descendant communities,
heritage, or other relevant concerns which van be described. Provide details that support
your analysis.
Essay 3
Consider the two case studies we viewed (Easter Island and La Belle) and what they
portray about archaeology and the range of research potential. Compare the two case
studies, addressing specifically the technologies applied, the logistics and expense, the
methods used for analysis, and the forms of archaeological questions that were answered.
Essay 4
Ethics are an important consideration in archaeological research. While it is a standard
that archaeologists do not keep or sell artifacts, there are other more subtle issues to be
aware of. Answer any two of these three questions about professional ethical behavior.
1. Why is the international heritage community determined to keep important
archaeological and cultural objects in the countries of origin?
2. In what ways has the internet served to increase the traffic in stolen or looted
antiquities?
3. Explain why monument and artifact conservation and publishing considered critical for
professional practice of scientific archaeology.
Essay 5
NAGPRA legislation has affected the archaeology of Native Americans in several ways.
Define this legislation and discuss its impact from three points of view: 1. Native
Americans who sought the enactment of the law; 2. Archaeologists who support this law,
and 3. Scientists who argue that NAGPRA interferes with scientific research. What are
their arguments and counter arguments?