Archaeology and Material Culture

The Archaeology Minor focuses on the study of human material culture and past human cultural activities for which there exist material remains both above and below the earth’s surface. The discipline of archaeology merges methods and techniques for studying past human physical remains derived from the natural and social sciences, such as Anthropology, History, Ancient Studies, Geology, Geography, Environmental Studies, and Chemistry, and includes using the historical record to interpret the meaning of archaeological remains where possible. Students will learn the method and theory behind both invasive, destructive archaeological techniques such as excavation, but also less invasive, non-destructive techniques such as remote sensing, geophysics, and surface survey. Through the Minor, students will learn the method, theory, and techniques for studying past human cultures and societies through the material record and gain some insight into the scientific methods and techniques for the study of the past, learning GIS, statistics, mineralogy, or physical geography. Students may also participate in ongoing archaeological field research or field schools conducted by Saint Mary’s professors working in the Maritimes or Europe.