Module 4: Describing lithics: raw materials,

bipolar, cores, difficult artefacts, chaîne opératoire

Overview

We will continue investigating important types of variation in stone artefact technologies, and learn about field methods for collecting and curating stone artefacts.

Objectives

Introduce identification, analysis and interpretation of bipolar artefacts, heat treated artefacts, difficult artefacts, and cores
Describe common raw materials and their formation processes
Recognise heat treatment in stone artefact analyses, and understand possible motives for this
Recognise the Chaîne opératoire approach in stone artefact analyses
Understand the distinctive stone artefact technologies of the Pacific Northwest region

Preparation

Go to the seminar readings to prepare your notes for Thursday's class (FAQ: How do I write a good seminar note?).

Lectures

Lecture slides will be available via the link in the syllabus.

Discussions

Discuss this module and ask questions on the Canvas Discussions page. When asking for help with R, please share a screenshot (FAQ: how to take a screenshot)

Assignments

Assignments for this module are:

- Lecture quiz, in class on Tuesday
- Participation activity, in class on Tuesday
- Before Thursday's class complete your seminar notes, and take notes on your discussion with your peers, and submit in class on Thursday.
- Lab report on Friday's lab demonstration, submit next Friday