Basic Site Surveying Techniques (25 hrs)

History of archaeological survey, site identification, formation processes, survey methods, recording procedures, basic equipment usage, reading USGS topographic maps, goals and problems of archaeological survey. A field trip to identify and record a site. Curation of archaeological remains and necessity for final reports.

Colorado Archaeology (20 hrs)

Covers the major periods and cultures of Colorado's prehistory, concluding with a brief summary of historic period American Indian groups in Colorado.

Historical Archaeology (20 hrs)

Importance of historical archaeology, types of sites, sources of historical information, key historic artifacts, Colorado history vs. archaeology.

Prehistoric Lithic Description and Analysis (20 hrs)

Stone tool technology, methods of manufacture, morphological/functional analyses, and common tool classes in Colorado.

Prehistoric Ceramic Description and Analysis (20 hrs)

Ceramic technology, methods of manufacture, physical/stylistic analyses, and basic Colorado ceramic characteristics.

Perishable Materials (20 hrs)

Value of perishable materials, information on preservation, varieties of materials, tool classes.

Research Design and Report Writing (15 hrs)

Importance of archaeological research designs and reports, essential elements of research design, and guidelines for archaeological reports.

Archaeological Dating Methods (12 hrs)

Relative and absolute dating techniques, sample collection, preservation and care of datable material.

Field and Laboratory Photography (12 hrs)

Equipment and methods of archaeological photography, both in the course of fieldwork and in controlled lab situations.