Quantitative Methods and Applications in Archaeology

3 units

The goal of this course is to adequately approach quantification issues in archaeological research situations. Potential and limitations of quantitative methods and applications in specific archaeological situations and case studies will be presented and discussed. Topics will range from data exploratory methods to evaluating statistical hypotheses and connecting proximal to ultimate questions through middle-range research. Data analysis will include specific examples from lithics, ceramics, paleoethnobotanical, zooarchaeological, settlement patterns, and stratigraphic, specialized research. Participants will use assigned datasets as well as their own datasets to discuss and apply different treatments and customize adequate solutions for specific research questions. The class will include a balanced combination of lectures and discussion sections. Readings will complement classic and cutting-edge archaeological science case studies.