Program Overview

Archaeology, Bachelor of Arts

The Archaeology program at Johns Hopkins University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory, interpretation, and methods of archaeology.

Program Requirements

The program requires 13 courses and a fieldwork requirement, totaling 40 credits. The core courses include:

• Introduction to Archaeology (AS.136.101)
• World Prehistory: An Anthropological Perspective (AS.130.177)
• Archaeological Method and Theory (AS.130.354/AS.131.654)
• Any Anthropology course numbered AS.070.1xx-4xx
• Six archaeology courses, at least four of which must be 300-level or higher
• Three additional related courses, to be decided in conjunction with the students advisor
• Significant archaeological field experience (consult faculty advisor)

Fieldwork Requirement

All students must enroll in AS.136.505 Archaeology Fieldwork Independent Study for 1 credit (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) during the term in which the fieldwork is conducted. Additional directions are found on the Archaeology program website.

Sample Program of Study

A sample program of study is provided to guide students in planning their coursework. This includes:

• First Year: Introduction to Archaeology and World Prehistory
• Second Year: Anthropology course and Archaeology courses
• Third Year: Archaeology courses and additional related courses
• Fourth Year: Archaeology courses and additional related courses

Honors Program

Archaeology majors have the option of writing an honors thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. The thesis is based on an original research problem developed in conjunction with that faculty member. Successful completion of the thesis (B+ or higher) will result in the conferring of a BA with honors.

Learning Outcomes

The program aims to achieve the following learning outcomes:

1. Acquire the basic skills for understanding theory, interpretation, and methods in archaeology.
2. Develop an ability to analyze archaeological data through the reading and interpretation of archaeological publications and study of primary data.
3. Conduct analyses and interpretations of material culture in precise, well-organized, and persuasive language, both orally and in writing.
4. Acquire interdisciplinary knowledge of different past human cultures.
5. Gain significant knowledge of the material culture of at least one region or thematic issue.
6. Acquire on-site experience and expertise in archaeological method through fieldwork.