Archaeology
Archaeology is the study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The minor at Earlham is a cross-divisional venture between sociology/anthropology, archaeologists in the earth and environmental science department, ancient and classical studies department, and the Joseph Moore Museum, with additional contributions from the art and philosophy departments as well as the Library Archives.
The minor in archaeology prepares you to pursue graduate study or entry-level jobs in archaeology when combined with a major in sociology/anthropology, earth and environmental science, or ancient and classical studies.
Using STEM to uncover the past
Sometimes reading about the past just isn’t enough. Through the archaeology minor, you can gain hands-on experience and skills using technology and science to recover archaeological evidence—evidence that can put what we think we know about the past into a whole new light.
Hands-on experience
Archaeology minors are required to participate in a field school, research or internship experience—and the Epic Advantage makes these experiences accessible.
Conduct research in Greece
Join our faculty in conducting collections-based research at archaeological sites and museums in Greece. You’ll investigate how meanings and ideas were expressed in material culture
Our faculty
The archaeology minor is an interdisciplinary program, with professors from the departments of sociology/anthropology, earth and environmental science, ancient and classical studies and the Joseph Moore Museum contributing to courses.
Program details
The archaeology minor combines courses from earth and environmental science, ancient and classical studies, sociology/anthropology, museum studies and philosophy to provide you with a solid foundation for a career in archaeology.
To fulfill the requirements of the archaeology minor, you must complete 17-22 hours as follows:
Required courses:
- GEOL/SOAN 114 Archaeology (3 credits)
- SOAN 115 Introduction to Anthropology: Culture and Diversity (4 credits)
- GEOL 201 Earth & the Environment (4 credits)
- A field school (strongly recommended), research experience, or internship approved by the program convener (0-4 credits)
One of the following cultural studies courses:
- ANCS 241 Ancient Mediterranean History (3 credits)
- ANCS 282 That Belongs in a Museum (3 credits)
- ANCS 315 Pompeii (3 credits)
- ANCS 350 Words and Works of Ancient Rome (3 credits)
- NCS 351 Words and Works of Ancient Greece (3 credits)
- ART 115 Context & Meaning (3 credits)
- SOAN 327 Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Justice (3 credits)
- MUSE/HIST 239 Care and Use of Material Culture (4 credits)
- ANCS/WGSS 357 Gender & Sexuality in the Ancient Greek World (3 credits)
- Other cultural studies and materials analysis courses may fulfill this requirement with the approval of the program convener.
One of the following social science theory courses:
- PHIL 370 Philosophy of Social Science (3 credits)
- SOAN 217 Foundations in Social Thought (4 credits)
- SOAN 341 Contemporary Social Thought (4 credits)
- Other social and cultural theory courses may fulfill this requirement with the approval of the program convener.
In addition to off-campus study programs and research experiences with faculty in places like Greece, England, Iceland and China, you can also participate in field schools and internships in a variety of places, such as the Georgian National Museum.
Our faculty can help you identify an off-campus study, field school, research or internship experience that fits your academic and career goals.
If you want to dig in the dirt, dive in the ocean, or conserve and curate artifacts in museums, archaeology is the program for you. Archaeology is embedded in many departments at Earlham, so we encourage you to explore your interests. This minor gives you a firm foundation in the study of human material culture so you’ll be ready to apply to graduate school or begin a career.
Archaeology faculty are available to help you find the best path toward your career aspirations, so if you have any questions about completing this minor alongside other goals (like off-campus study or various majors), just contact one of our faculty members.