Archaeology holds many answers to the mysteries of human history. Tools, food remains, dwellings, even clues to social relationships and gender—the study of archaeology gives us a glimpse into how communities changed through time. Unearth the secrets of societies from centuries ago to millennia, and see why the lessons you learn today matter for our future.

Why study Archaeology at Sewanee?

The field of archaeology is expanding in both the humanities and the sciences. At Sewanee, with the application of innovative instrumentation and techniques, and access to interdisciplinary approaches, you’ll have an opportunity to address new questions spanning human history, subsistence technology and foodways, ancient migration, and prehistoric ritual.

The archaeology minor at Sewanee will expose you to archaeological excavation and survey (take part in ongoing field research on the University Domain), artifact analysis, sacred landscapes, region history and prehistory across the world, museum studies, and expansive career options. Thanks to an emphasis on environmental legislation, heritage tourism, and bio-cultural resources, the field of archaeology

Layers of History

The Field School in Archaeology at The University of the South

Sarah C. Sherwood, Associate Professor, Co-Chair Department of Earth and Environmental Systems, University Archaeologist
Sarah C. Sherwood
On the Southern Cumberland Plateau, Dr. Sherwood is specifically interested in prehistoric land use change over time and site formation processes of sandstone rockshelters.

A Sampling of Courses

Artifact Analysis
Archaeology

This course is a hands-on introduction to interpreting artifacts from archaeological sites. The class consists of a mix of lecture, discussion, laboratory, and in-class exercises on both prehistoric and historic artifact types. It covers all phases of artifact analysis including: defining problem domains, selecting attributes, cataloging data, typology, analysis and interpretation. Student projects center on artifacts from the University Domain collections.

ARCH 214
Greek and Roman Art and Architecture
Art History

A chronological survey of the painting, sculpture, and architecture of the Greek, and Hellenistic worlds and Roman Empire from the eighth century B.C.E. to the fourth century C.E. While emphasizing stylistic developments, political and cultural contexts will also be examined.

ARTH 312
Archaeological Resource Management and Policy
Archaeology

This course explores international and national approaches to archaeological heritage management. It includes review of public policy that protect sites (much of it incorporated into environmental legislation) and of regulations that guide the process. The course centers around study of how the determination of such policies affects negotiation between the past and present as archaeologists, various governments, descendant communities, and others try to balance a concern for preservation with growing demand for development and sustainability.

ARCH 332
Celtic Culture and Archaeology
Anthropology

Grounded in the anthropological perspective, this course will explore ancient Celtic society through archaeology, ethnohistory, linguistics, and a focus on myth and religion. Our study initially focuses on the people of the European Iron Age (800 B.C. to the Roman conquest). Further course components consider the continuity and influence of Celtic traditions though the Middle Ages to the present in areas least impacted by Roman rule (Ireland, Scotland, and parts of Wales), and the contemporary cultural phenomena known as Celtic Revivalism.

ANTH 222
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Archaeology

Programs of Study & related programs

Requirements for the Minor in Archaeology

Requirements for the Major and Minor in Anthropology | Website

Meet some professors

Sarah C. Sherwood
sherwood@sewanee.edu

Sarah Sherwood is an Anthropological Archaeologist with a specialty in Geoarchaeology. On the Southern Cumberland Plateau, she is specifically interested in prehistoric land use, change over time, and site formation processes of sandstone rockshelters. She also works on the development of indigenous horticulture. In Eastern Europe, she worked in Romania and Serbia on “urban” tells where Neolithic and later Bronze Age people congregated.

Associate Professor, Co-Chair Department of Earth and Environmental Systems, University Archaeologist Co-Editor Geoarchaeology.
Martin A. Knoll
mknoll@sewanee.edu

Martin Knoll earned his B.A. at University of the South, M.S. Vanderbilt University, and Ph.D. 1988, University of Texas, El Paso. His areas of expertise include paleontology, paleocology, hydrology, geoarchaeology of the Cumberland Plateau, and climbing.

Professor of Geology
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Contact

Sarah C. Sherwood
Associate Professor, Co-Chair Department of Earth and Environmental Systems, University Archaeologist

sherwood@sewanee.edu

Snowden Hall 220, Ext. 3396

The Domain: An Immersive Experience

Integrated Program in the Environment
6 Majors, 6 Minors, 13,000 Acres

Sewanee's Integrated Program in the Environment is one of the premier collections of environmental offerings in the country. A working farm, a 13,000-acre forest, and well-funded internships offer opportunities to apply your classroom learning. An expansive curriculum—including natural and social sciences as well as the humanities and fine arts—offers students multiple pathways for gaining an understanding of the ecological complexity and wonder of the earth we inhabit.

Explore Your Options
Sustainability & Stewardship
Hand-on Experience

The Office of Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability offers students a variety of opportunities to get involved with land management, sustainable practices, etc.

Get Involved
Archaeology Field School
Get Your hands dirty

The Field School in Archaeology focuses on the human history of the Southern Cumberland Plateau. The Plateau is internationally recognized for its biodiversity, containing some of the most biologically rich, temperate forests in the world. In the field, you’ll learn excavation, artifact recovery, cataloguing and much more.

Learn more