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Archaeology (Minor)

Explore the study of past societies through material remains. Open to all majors, it combines surveys, methods and hands-on practice, enhancing understanding of human history and providing skills applicable to research, heritage and museum work.
Type: Minor
Format: In-Person
Credit Hours: 21
College: College of Arts and Sciences
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Offers a flexible curriculum exploring human history through material culture. Students complete introductory courses in anthropology and archaeology, advanced electives in regional or thematic archaeology and hands-on methods and practice courses. With 21–23 credit hours, the program develops analytical, research and field skills, complementing any major while preparing students for careers in heritage, research, museums and applied anthropology.

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2025-Spring 2026 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Minor in Archaeology
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (AS)
Department: Anthropology

Archaeology examines the nature of societies of the past through recovery and study of their material remains.  The minor in Archaeology gives students  the opportunity to expand their knowledge of archaeology to complement their major studies in a wide range of disciplines. The curriculum is designed to give students a background in anthropological archaeology including introductory courses in the subdisciplines.  The sets of elective courses provide flexible pathways to completing the minor. These courses range from surveys of regional archaeology to methods and practice courses that provide hands-on experience in the study of archaeological materials.

Program Requirements

Select three of the following:9-11
ANTH 201
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology - P2, SB
ANTH 202
Biological Anthropology - S
ANTH 203
Archaeology of Human History - P2, SBH
ANTH 204
Archaeology - P2, SB
ANTH 206
Principles of Archaeology - B
ANTH 207
Principles of Biological Anthropology - B
Select two of the following: 6
ANTH 311
Emergence of Human Culture - SBH
ANTH 312
Rise of Civilization
ANTH 326
African Archaeology
ANTH 327
The Human Skeleton
ANTH 329
Zooarchaeology
ANTH 377
Field Methods in Archaeology
ANTH 380
Ice Age People: Colonization of the Americas - SB
ANTH 381
Geoarchaeology
ANTH 509
Archaeological Theory and Methods - WR
Select two of the following: 6
ANTH 304
Prehistoric Archaeology Europe - SBH
ANTH 320
Indigenous Peoples of North America - P1, SBH
ANTH 322
Archaeology of North America - SBH
ANTH 328
Environmental Archaeology
ANTH 339
The Anthropology of Space and Place
ANTH 364
Special Topics in Archaeology
ANTH 378
Lithic Technology
ANTH 379
Ceramic Analysis
ANTH 401
Cooperative Internship in Anthropology
ANTH 526
Archaeology as Practice
ANTH 564
Special Topics in Archaeology
ANTH 582
Kentucky Archaeology
ANTH 583
Who Owns the Past?
Minimum Total Hours21-23

At least three (3) semester hours of the requirements for a minor must be successfully completed while enrolled in the University of Louisville.