Archaeology Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program Description

Archaeology studies past human culture through the material left behind, including physical objects, bones, plants, building foundations, and landscapes such as settlements. Within archaeology there are several areas of specialization. Bioarchaeology concentrates on how human beings acquired their present form and behaviour by tracing human evolution. Historical archaeology is the study of documented cultures since the 16th century. Prehistory is the study of ancient civilizations and hunter-gatherer societies. Memorial University has the only archaeology department east of Alberta. Archaeology students at Memorial regularly participate in digs throughout the province. This department specializes in the North Atlantic and the Canadian Subarctic. Faculty interests range from the study of ancient Native cultures, through the historical archaeology of European expansion, to downed Second World War aircraft. Experiential learning is at the heart of the archaeology major. Students can expect to participate in field work, train in state-of-the-art laboratory techniques, and gain experience with the conservation and care of collections.

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