Areas of Study

The Archaeology program provides students with the opportunity to specialize in the following areas:

Pre-Contact Archaeology
With a strong focus on northern plains and boreal forest regions, students interested in Pre-Contact Archaeology will learn all about the numerous cultures that thrived in and around these regions prior to and after European contact.

Historical Archaeology
Defined as the archaeological studies of the origin of the modern world, students interested in Historical Archaeology will have the opportunity to learn about everything from the archaeology of Culture Contact to the archaeology of Modern Capitalism.

Geoarchaeology
A sub-field of archaeology which explores geological approaches to understand the archaeological record. Geoarchaeology offers students a chance to apply geoscience techniques to answer archaeological questions in a unique and innovative way.

Bioarchaeology
Bioarchaeology is defined as the application of a diverse array of biological techniques to archaeological remains in order to learn more about the past. Such techniques include osteoarchaeology (study of human remains), zooarchaeology (study of animal remains), palynology (study of pollen) and paleobotany (study of ancient plant remains).

Archaeology and Anthropology are closely related and complementary disciplines that endeavour to explore human diversity in its many forms. Archaeology is the study of artifacts and other physical remains of earlier societies and communities in order to unravel the mysteries of human cultural variability and adaptation. Archaeologists can reconstruct past human behaviours and life ways from tools, shelters, ornaments, food remnants, modified landscapes, and even human remains. Anthropology seeks a broad comprehension of the human experience through time and space, and asks the most enduring question, "What does it mean to be human?" Anthropology draws connections from studies of our hominin ancestors, living primates, and early human populations, to contemporary social and cultural formations.

Archaeology Programs and Course Requirements

For more information about these programs and their course requirements, visit the Course and Program Catalogue.

Archaeology and Anthropology Programs and Course Requirements

All Archaeology and Archaeology and Anthropology Majors students are strongly encouraged to have yearly program check advising with a faculty member. Check with the department office in Term 2 for more information about making an appointment.