Archaeology: The Science of the Human Past (4th Edition)

Illuminating the world of archaeology.

 

Archaeology conveys the excitement of archaeological discovery and explains how archaeologists think as they scientifically find, analyze, and interpret evidence. The main objective of this text is to provide an introduction to the broad and fascinating world of archaeology from the scientific perspective. Discussions on the theoretical aspects of archaeology, as well as the practical applications of what is learned about the past, have been updated and expanded upon in this fourth edition.

 

Learning Goals

Upon completing this book, readers will be able to:

• Discuss the theoretical aspects of archaeology.
• Apply what has been learned about the past.
• Identify the various perspectives archaeologists have.

Note:  MySearchLab with eText does not come automatically packaged with this text. To purchase MySearchLab with eText, please visit:  www.mysearchlab.com or you can purchase a ValuePack of the text + MySearchLab with eText (at no additional cost):  ValuePack ISBN-10: 020589531X / ValuePack ISBN-13:  9780205895311.

Mark Q. Sutton began his career in anthropology in 1968. While still in high school, he took advantage of the opportunity to participate in archaeological excavations conducted by the local Community College. He went on to earn a BA (1972), an MA (1977), and a Ph.D (1987) in anthropology. He has worked as an archaeologist for the US Air Force, the US Bureau of Land Management, various private consulting firms, and taught at a number of community colleges and universities. He taught at California State University, Bakersfield from 1987 to 2007 where he retired as Emeritus Professor of Anthropology. He now works for Statistical Research, Inc. in San Diego. Dr. Sutton works on understanding hunter-gatherer adaptations to arid environments but has also investigated entomophagy, prehistoric diet and technology, and optimal foraging theory. Dr. Sutton has worked at more than 120 sites in North America and has published over 160 books, monographs, and papers on archaeology and anthropology.