Teaching Archaeogeophysical Survey and Mapping any Time of the Year: An Interdisciplinary Course

Abstract

One of the fastest-growing areas of archaeological fieldwork is the use of subsurface geophysical survey techniques to map ancient remains without excavation. Growing interest in this technology, coupled with the availability of commercial data collectors tailored to archaeological needs, presents a challenge to educators. Specifically, this challenge is to create an integrated, interdisciplinary, active learning curriculum, providing students with: (1) a competent theoretical understanding of basic geophysical processes underlying these survey techniques; (2) an appreciation of the implications these technologies have for research design and methodology and (3) a working knowledge of appropriate mapping and imaging theory and technology.We designed and implemented a course focusing on these outcomes that was taught at the University of Akron for the first time in Spring 2002. This course was offered to advanced undergraduate and graduate students through a cooperative effort between the Geology, Archaeology and Geography programs. Positive outcomes were measured in terms of overall student responses to course content, a dynamic teaching environment for faculty, successful field studies and the placement of students in post-course research projects. At the same time, course logistics, managing student group dynamics and the difficulty in selecting “real” but appropriate test sites warrant further discussion and modification of the course syllabus for future offerings.