Maritime Archaeology: Exploring the Sunken Past
This course will be an introduction to the field of Maritime Archaeology. The topic includes different kinds of maritime archaeological source material, such as ships and harbors and other remains from seafaring, but also lake dwellings, submerged landscapes, fishing traps, and aspects of inland water use. We will also examine issues related to diving and techniques used in underwater archaeology. The role interpretation plays in all archaeological studies, maritime or not, will be a focus throughout the course. A central question guiding students’ inquiry will also be whether living by water has special implications for a society’s social and cultural development. No prior diving experience necessary.