Hi there! My name is E. G., and this is my first semester here . My major is Liberal Studies, with focuses on anthropology, environmental studies, and sociology.
Chapters 1-3 response-
When considering what makes archaeology important in the modern world, one should think about what benefits can come from understanding and analyzing mankind’s past. Aside from the idea that most people generally find discoveries of artifacts and pieces of our history enthralling, archaeology also serves the purpose of preserving and learning from our past in a way that helps us understand the present. By analyzing patterns of human behavior and culture through archaeology, we can make better guided decisions on important current topics such as global warming, or political conflict. The way in which archaeology preserves the history of human beings makes it vital to the ever-growing field of cultural resource management, which is “the type of archaeology that is concerned with management and assessment of cultural resources” (Fagan and Durrani, 13). This is just one of the archaeological methods of preserving human history for the purpose of mankind which can help enrich the cultural education of future generations.
In contrast to science- based archaeology, there is another school of thought under the umbrella of anthropology, considered to be pseudoarchaeology. This subject differs greatly from its scientific counterpart, mostly in that it includes embellishments, which, though typically based on real archaeological ideas, tends to cater more to entertainment. Science based archaeology requires attention to narratives that may seem slower and less fantastical than pseudoarchaeology. This, however, can in its own right, make true archaeology even more interesting than pseudoarchaeology. We can learn much more about the true origins of our cultures and behaviors. There is much more real-world usage that can come from scientific archaeology, without the need for exaggeration.
Goals of archaeology are a major part of what keeps the field of study successful. Generally, there are three important goals to keep in mind. First, the core purpose of archaeology is to build an outline of the cultural history of a certain era/ place. This way, the finer details can be analyzed. This means, eventually reconstructing the livelihood and interactions of the people of the era/ place in question, down to the details of daily activities. Once there is a picture of the broader society, as well as the specifics, archaeologists can begin to explain the way that a culture ebbed and flowed with changes through history. Another goal of this field is to maintain integrity around ethics. Most notably, is keeping focus on the people directly involved in the society under study and keeping in close communication with them. Along with respecting the subject’s boundaries, archaeologists must also follow laws which apply to them. Last, keeping sight of the true purpose of archaeology is crucial; that records of the past must be preserved with care for the greater good, and for the education of future generations.
Edited by on Jun 10 at 8:39pm
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S.J.
YesterdayJun 12 at 9am
My name is S. J., and I am currently pursing a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. This is my first semester here at and I’m looking forward to new learning opportunities!
According to the readings archaeology is important for many reasons. Archaeology allows us to connect and share how our ancestors thrived in different environments. Through archaeological discoveries we can explore our vast culture and diversity as a species. This helps provides answers to the question, what makes us human? The readings mention the use of archaeology as a social tool just as much as a cultural one. It can be used to assist with issues regarding climate change, social inequality, and even help uncover history of culture that were previously unknown. Many earlier cultures shared history through word of mouth and therefore we do not have written records of their lifestyle.
Scientific archeology is slow, technically focused, and all fact based while psueoarchaeology is fantasy stories inspired by a site. Scientific archaeology is more fascinating than psueoarchaeology because it gives the science of what happened in an area. It provides insights to the culture and diversity of an area where as psueoarchaeology is all fantasy based to provide excitement and intrigue to an area. This can result in interesting stories, but it is all fiction. An example of this would be the Mummy movies they are set at the pyramids however the story is fantasy based. It has been created for entertainment purposes not scientific research.
The goal of archaeology is to conserve and preserve the history and artifacts of the past for the benefit of future generations. They provide answers to questions such as, how did people survive here? Why did this group suddenly disappear? During research of an area archaeologist must work with the groups affected by their work to ensure that all findings and publishing’s are for scientific benefit and are easily accessible. They must be adequately trained before starting a task. When you go to a site and begin to excavate then that site is then destroyed. You can not start a excavation over once its begun, if a inexperienced individual is sent out then you could potentially lose a very important site.
Hey I’m R,
archeology is important in more than just one way; although it can’t tell us what lies in our future, we can learn from our past. The events that happen to repeat/ cycle themselves again ( natural disasters or change of climate), we can learn what similarities or differences we have in behaviors from our ancestors, in the place where we make our findings or to others across the globe during the same time frame. We can observe the cultural changes that occurred in time to the same groups of people or within the area. We can see how relationships broke apart or intertwined and became more powerful with time and overlapping alliances. Hear the whispers of those who have no voice, except in what the artifacts left behind or others who’s stories we know from a young age. These would all be impossible for us to know with out any work from and results of archeology.
Scientific archeology is more fascinating perhaps because you are getting the real story, location, time/ date with facts that could be proven. Unlike pseudoarchology, the take on spec of history/archeology and create a fantasy story from it. These are taken out of context and exaggerated beyond reality ( Egyptian pyramid’s being built by aliens). As well the pseudo takes the route of adventure and the information being found impatiently which in real archeology it there is no time frame on how long it can take to find an artifact. They have a way of thinking that archeologist are holding back some great secret or discovery that would change the face of history completely. Wouldn’t that in fact be breaking the ethical consideration of archeology?!
The goals and considerations of the discipline are pretty admirable indeed and go hand in hand with each other.
Goals:
reconstruct cultural history in keeping records of the past, time and space
reconstruct ancient lifeways, their behaviors and or how they made a living or survived their day to day
explain cultural changes such as their gender roles or why and how they went from hunting / gathering to agrarian culture or what could have made them stay as such; or why and how certain civilizations collapsed
preserving the past in managing the findings and as well as the safe keeping the location for future studies as well for future generations to enjoy
Ethical Considerations
Stewardship- becoming the caretakers and safe guard of location and data
Accountability- being and keeping accountable of location and the people affected by your research
Commercialization- selling or buying artifacts from a dig is prohibited
Public ed and outreach- communicating with other members of the community wo would be interested on your data and findings in an effort to ” improve preservation, protection and interpretation”
Intellectual property- what ever data, or physical finding’s are found do not belong to get one person alone but it is sort of public ownership
Public reporting/publication- presenting and having the data and findings made publica and accessible in a timely fashion
Record and preservation- preservation and long term access of data and findings
Training/ resources- the personnel involved should have the training and proper resources need to execute and conduct a dig
Safe ed/ workplace environment- that the location where the excavation is taking place is a safe location and with this experience you are educating/ training the next generation
Introduction
My name is C. W., I am currently on my last few classes before I obtain a bachelor’s in criminal justice. Once I obtain my bachelors my plan is to join the game warden academy where I will learn how to be a game warden.
Archaeology is important in today’s world because archaeology provides the opportunity to learn about the past and how the past applies to the present. Although archaeology brings about the lure of exciting discoveries it also allows for the understanding of the past. For example, archaeology uncovers artifacts that give us a better understanding of past cultures. The information of the past gained through archaeology provides guidance, warnings, and reassurance that is beneficial in today’s time (Fagan., Durran, 2021, p.18).
Scientific archaeology is more fascinating than pseudoarcheology because pseudoarcheology is just poor fiction. These two types of archaeology are different because scientific archaeology revolves around factual evidence, whereas pseudoarcheology revolves around faint possibilities (Fagan., Durran, 2021, p.18). One example that shows the difference between the two schools of thought is the construction of the pyramids of Egypt. Pseudoarcheology would tend to believe the pyramids were built by extraterrestrial beings, while scientific archaeology would take a less fictional approach.
Archaeology has many informal and formal codes professional archaeologists abide by. The main goal of scientific archaeology is to preserve and conserve the material remains of the past for future generations (Fagan., Durran, 2021, p.36). While the ethical considerations of the scientific discipline of archaeology calls for professional archaeologists to do the following.
“Practice and promote the stewardship of the archaeological record for the benefit of all people. Consult effectively with all groups affected by their work. Avoid activities that enhance the commercial value of archaeological objects that are not readily available for scientific study or cared for in public institutions. Educate the public as to the importance of their findings and enhance public understanding of the past. Publish their findings in a widely accessible form. Preserve their collections, records, and reports properly, as part of a permanent record of the past for future generations. They must also allow other archaeologists access to their research materials without any legal of other compelling restrictions. Never undertake research without adequate training, experience, and facilities to complete the task at hand.” (Fagan., Durran, 2021, p.44)
References
Fagan, B. M., & Durrani, N. (2021). Ancient lives: An introduction to archaeology and prehistory. Routledge.
J. S.
YesterdayJun 12 at 6:05pm
Hello! My name is J. and I’m working on a degree in Anthropology with a minor in Forensic Investigation. I currently have my Associates in human biology and hope to find a career that allows me to explore all three of those interests. I’ve taken many of Professor classes. The information taught and her way of explaining them never fail to amaze me. I’m excited to see what this class has to offer.
Archaeology is important for several reasons. It’s ability to excite with the discoveries that the field works on uncovering helps to draw attention to the masses on the reasons for its significance. During our reading it was noted that analysis of horticultural methods from older civilizations aided in increasing agricultural yield to farmers in the areas these civilizations used to reside in. By unearthing ancient processes and correlating them with today’s technology, we are not only able to unearth lost history but also regain knowledge previously lost to us that may still benefit us. This alone aids in the fascination scientific archaeology has over pseudoarchaeology. The scientific approach is heavily utilized in scientific archaeology and requires patience, research, theories, and multitudes of data before a conclusion can be made. This process allows for the result to be replicated in a way that proves the archaeological theory. On the other hand, Pseudoarchaeology uses the guise of archaeology to make claims regarding past civilizations with little research or data to support their claims aside from assumption and an almost egotistical aura of, “this is what I believe so it must be true” attitude. Scientific archaeology is studying the placement of a site and concluding that, based on the research and data provided, it aligns with the sun, moon, or constellation during the summer solstice. Pseudoarcheology is taking that information and saying that it was aligned that way to communicate with space aliens. Sure, it’s fun, imaginative, and makes you curious, but it also has no evidence to stand on. This approach is disrespectful and unethical as many of the civilizations we are learning about still have communities alive today. The goal of archaeology is not to obtain artifacts for gain but to obtain the knowledge that said artifacts may provide. Working with the community that these artifacts either belong to ancestrally or geographically helps to ensure that all artifacts are handled appropriately and respectfully by professionals as not to step over the boundaries of cultural sensitivity.
YesterdayJun 12 at 7:58pm
Step 1. Hello all, My name is J. and I am married with two children , 11 years and 6 years old. Both of my kids are very involved in sports, so I am pretty busy with their activities, I also work at a military unit with Soldiers, which can be demanding. I am currently pursuing a BSLS, Anthropology, Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation. Enjoy the option to choose three minors.
Step 2. Answer these questions in your own words
According to the assigned readings this week, why is archaeology important in today’s world? Is it because of the lure of exciting discoveries, or is it significant to society for other reasons?
Archaeology is important, in today’s world to essential tell us in the present about how many lived years. This is using facts; with artifacts; writings with research. For some interesting facts to learn, there is a neat fascinating discovery of the cultures and to learn the past. To understand where we originated from and the learn the ways of the human being before us, is intriguing to say the least. These archaeologist shows us the past and helps us shares our ways of life, in so many ways we so diverse.
Why is scientific archaeology more fascinating than pseudo archeology? What are the differences in approaches between the two schools of thought? Give an example to illustrate the difference between scientific archaeology and pseudo archaeology. I enjoy the scientific aspect of archaeology versus the pseudo archaeology, I would rather have the facts, with evidence. Then having fiction or even the maybes, it seems more realistic and truer with the truth, not something that you might think or maybe a possibility. The pseudo archaeology views of the making up of facts; or exaggeration; even making the facts more dramatic. This fiction would not grasp my attention, I would most likely read over. I enjoy facts and the truth would be nice. An example of pseudo archaeology the belief that humans originated from outer space, and that the Astronauts in ancients’ times colonized the earth.
Last, what are the goals and ethical considerations of the scientific discipline of archaeology? The goals for the ethical considerations of the scientific discipline, or archaeology would be preserving the past an creating the idea to conserve and the records of the past for the future generations. This would allow us to gather the evidence through analysis and research to learn for many years to come.
Edited on Jun 12 at 7:59pm
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D. S.-F.
YesterdayJun 12 at 9:05pm
Hello. My name is D. S.-F.. I am currently working for my with a major in Mechanical Engineering. I have been married for four years, and have a 2 year old son. I enjoy playing video games, and am being uncharacteristically candid in this introduction.
Archaeology is how we connect to the past. History is written by the victors, as they say. The remnants left behind provide an unbiased view into how ancient cultures lived. Most of the exciting discoveries have already been made, such as the Great Pyramids of Egypt, Stonehenge, and other such famous dig sites, but more mundane discoveries can tell us about how our ancestors learned to live without the use of modern technology.
Unlike archaeology which can be slow, careful and meticulous, pseudoarcheology provides a sense of fantasy and adventure to those enthralled by it. Unfortunately, the fantastic tales woven by pseudoarchaeologist, even if they too believe them, are just that. Tales. Stories that sound exciting when told. But they provide nothing to further our understanding the past, where we came from, or who we are. Some archaeologists can put forth outlandish ideas, but they look for evidence to learn the truth. If the evidence they needed to prove their claim cannot be found, the archaeologist retracts their claim, and presents an alternative explanation to answer the question that they had. If a pseudoarchaeologist cannot find evidence to support their claim, no matter how hard they look, they can wave the problem away with a simple “The evidence I need is buried too deep to be found. Just trust me.” without ever needing evidence to support their claims.
The goal of true archaeology is to preserve knowledge of the past, and save it for the future. Many archaeological discoveries can be found in burial sites, but this can be a tricky process. Once a burial site, or any archaeological site, becomes disturbed, it can never again be a pristine picture of the past. To ensure that a discovery is made with all of it’s surrounding context intact, the archaeologist must take extreme care to disturb the site as little as possible, and to document everything with precise detail. It is also important to communicate with nearby peoples to the site and obtain proper permissions before attempting to dig anywhere. Many cultures have taboos against disturbing the ancestors, and as archaeology is a collaborative endeavor, alienating the people you are working with is not a good idea.
S.D.
YesterdayJun 12 at 11:59pm
Hi D.,
I enjoyed reading your answers. I agree with your statement on archaeologists using pseudoarcheology to “prove” theories and claims that they have. I think it’s important for archaeologists to have multiple theories and wait until they find the evidence that supports their claims rather than assuming or coming up with wrong claims to impress others.
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N. G.
YesterdayJun 12 at 9:31pm
Hello All,
My name is N. G. and this is my 2nd semester at I am excited to take this course as it sounds really interesting to learn about.
Scientific archeology is more fascinating due to the fact that it revolves around the science and history of everything that took place before our time now.
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K. B.
YesterdayJun 12 at 10:22pm
Hello my name is K. B. and my major is in anthropology. I am taking 4 classes this summer and the fall semester this year should be last semester to earn my bachelors degree.
According to the assigned readings archaeology is important in showing us insight into the past and showing the qualities we shared with our ancestors. Archaeology can show insights into human behavior of the past and how humans work together to overcome certain obstacles that we may face in today’s society. Archaeology is also a way to fight against ignorance. Scientific archaeology is far more impressive than pseudo archaeology because it is based in fact rather than fantasies and speculation about how the past was. Pseudo archaeology comes from outside of the actual realm of scientific proven archaeology mostly for views on television or movies. Pseudo archaeology can be entertaining if the people consuming the information know that it’s based dramatizations of what people want to believe the past was. Scientific archaeology can give us a proven basis as to how things happen why they happen in the actual real proof of what went down in the past. The goals and ethical considerations of archaeology are two retain artifacts and information on the past for future generations to learn from. While also respecting the owners of the land that the artifacts come from as well as maintaining a close relationship with them. And since archaeological digs destroyed the land where the artifacts were found keeping a good record of what was previously there what was found and trying to conserve as much as possible from the site.
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S.D .
YesterdayJun 12 at 10:30pm
Hi everyone! My name is Si. and I’m an anthropology major!
Archaeology is important in today’s society because it not only researches and discovers past societies, it helps protect and preserve artifacts. After World War 2, archaeologist saw the destruction the war had and want to protect future discoveries from the same fate. Studying the past also gives archaeologists information on the biological and cultural diversity of humankind, and to understand diversity better. For example, why did early humans migrate out of Africa and when did agriculture first appear?
Scientific archaeology is more fascinating than pseudoarcheology because it’s realistic and states facts. Archaeologists use carbon dating to gather information on how old artifacts are and when certain historical cultural events occurred. For example, archaeologists discovered agriculture first appeared in Syria around 10,000 years ago.
Pseudoarcheology, however, fills in the gaps of missing information by finding what makes best sense, even if the reasoning isn’t 100% logical. It also spreads misinformation and made up theories about past societies.
The main goal of archaeology is to preserve the past for future generations. The archaeological record is limited, once the artifacts are tampered with, it’s value is not the same. Archaeologists ethically do not buy and sell artifacts for money or profit. They gain knowledge by researching what they find and share with others what they discovered.
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YesterdayJun 12 at 11:15pm
Hi Everyone,
My name is A.. I am originally from New Jersey. Post military brought me to Texas. I was stationed in California when I served in the Marine Corps. I am taking 4 classes this semester in hopes of graduating next year with my bachelors. I am currently 6.5 months pregnant with my first child. My other “babies” consists of my three pitbulls and my two birds.
1. Archaeology is important in today’s world because it helps us understand how human behavior in the past has brought us to where we are today. I believe it is more of the exciting discoveries in the past. Those discoveries kept humans on their feet and thinking. All of that caused them to make the decisions they did and build the world we live in today..
2. Scientific archaeology is more fascinating than psueoarchaeology because scientific archaeology lures you in with the facts of how things have became this way. Many people prefer and believe things when they can see or read the facts behind it. Psueoarchaology on the other hand tends to exaggerate the facts.
Psueoarcheology Example: Aliens built the pyramids
Scientific Archaeology Example: Plant or Animal remains
3. A goal of the scientific discipline of archaeology is build a chronological picture of human behavior to better understand how we got to where we are today. With this information, we may be able to predict the outcome of the future.
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YesterdayJun 12 at 11:59pm
Hello. My name is K.C.-T.. I am majoring in criminal justice and aiming for my bachelors. I will have two minors in anthropology and forensic investigation, which is why I am attending this class. Anthropology interests me because I do like learning about bones and anything really to do with forensics. I have taken other classes for anthropology and I seem to really enjoy those classes. Dr. was my professor for both my anthropology classes and I am excited to have her again. She is a great professor!
Archaeology is known to demonstrate our early life on this world. Though there are many different concepts of archaeology and many people argue about points in the past, it is still a bug topic today.
Archaeology is important in today’s world because it offers information about the past. Some information that archaeology provides us is information about our diversity, similarities, and our history. An example of scientific archaeology is radiocarbon decay. An example of pseuoarchaeology is using information provided on films or art.
Scientific archaeology is more fascinitaing than pseuoarchaeology because it goes more into detail of the past and the findings that are discovered. Pseuoarchaeology doe snot focus on the details, but more of arguing facts that are presented.
The goals of archaeology are “to construct culture history, reconstruct ancient lifeways, and study processes of cultural change.”
Fagan & Durrani, 2021. Ancient Lives: An Introduction to Archaeology and Prehistory, 7h ed. Taylor and Francis.
