Archaeology is the study of the development and change of human societies from the prehistoric past to the present through the recovery, analysis and interpretation of material remains. Our program emphasizes an anthropological approach to archaeology and has close ties to anthropology's other subdisciplines. Archaeology has developed its own body of theories and methods for addressing the human story, many of which are focused on understanding what human material culture reveals about peoples lives.<br><br>The archaeology concentration builds student expertise in a variety of areas of archaeological practice, including field methods, the analysis and interpretation of archaeological data, and an understanding of the culture histories of many world regions. Elective courses and independent projects allow students to explore a variety of facets of archaeological theory and practice, with an emphasis on hands-on experience and engagement with real world data and artifacts. Students work with faculty to determine what electives within and outside the program best serve their scholarly and professional interests. Archaeology concentrators can benefit from expertise gained in upper-level electives in history, the geographic sciences, geology, art history, and biology. Intensive training in field methods, though not required for the concentration, is strongly encouraged and is provided by a summer archaeological field school.