You'll explore how archaeology sheds light on the Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries). The course covers maritime archaeology, colonial settlements, trade networks, and cultural exchanges. You'll study shipwrecks, artifacts, and archaeological sites from European expeditions to the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It's all about understanding how these voyages shaped the modern world through material evidence.

Is Archaeology of the Age of Exploration hard?

It's not a walk in the park, but it's not impossibly tough either. The course involves a lot of reading and memorizing historical facts, which can be a bit overwhelming. The real challenge comes from connecting archaeological evidence to historical events and understanding complex cultural interactions. If you're into history and don't mind getting your hands dirty with some data analysis, you'll do fine.

Tips for taking Archaeology of the Age of Exploration in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Create timelines to visualize the chronology of explorations and archaeological discoveries
Practice identifying artifacts from different cultures and time periods
Join study groups to discuss and debate interpretations of archaeological evidence
Visit local museums with Age of Exploration exhibits to see artifacts firsthand
Watch documentaries like "Secrets of the Dead: Jamestown's Dark Winter" for context
Read "1491" by Charles C. Mann for a broader understanding of pre-Columbian Americas

Common pre-requisites for Archaeology of the Age of Exploration

Introduction to Archaeology: This course covers basic archaeological methods, theories, and practices. You'll learn about excavation techniques, dating methods, and how to interpret archaeological data.
World History to 1500: This class provides a broad overview of global historical developments up to the start of the Age of Exploration. It sets the stage for understanding the cultural and political contexts of the explorations.

Classes similar to Archaeology of the Age of Exploration

Maritime Archaeology: Focuses on underwater archaeology and the study of shipwrecks. You'll learn about techniques for excavating and preserving underwater sites.
Colonial Archaeology: Examines archaeological evidence from European colonial settlements worldwide. This course delves into the material culture of colonialism and its impact on indigenous populations.
Historical Archaeology: Combines archaeological methods with historical records to study more recent past. You'll learn how to use both material and written evidence to interpret historical events.
Archaeology of Trade and Exchange: Explores how archaeological evidence reveals ancient and historical trade networks. You'll study how goods, ideas, and technologies spread across cultures through trade.

Archaeology: Focuses on the study of human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis of artifacts and physical remains. Students learn field methods, lab techniques, and theoretical approaches to interpreting the past.
Anthropology: Examines human cultures, societies, and behaviors across time and space. Students study cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeological aspects of human experience.
History: Concentrates on understanding and interpreting past events, societies, and cultures. Students develop critical thinking skills and learn to analyze primary and secondary sources.
Museum Studies: Prepares students for careers in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. Students learn about curation, conservation, education, and exhibition design.

What can you do with a degree in Archaeology of the Age of Exploration?

Museum Curator: Organizes and manages museum collections, plans exhibitions, and conducts research. Curators specializing in Age of Exploration artifacts might work in maritime or colonial history museums.
Cultural Resource Manager: Protects and preserves archaeological sites and historical resources. They might work on projects related to shipwrecks or colonial-era sites, ensuring their proper documentation and preservation.
Historical Archaeologist: Conducts excavations and analyzes artifacts from historical periods. They might work on sites related to early European settlements or trade outposts from the Age of Exploration.
Heritage Tourism Specialist: Develops and manages historical tourism programs and sites. They might create educational experiences at reconstructed colonial settlements or maritime museums.