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There are 4 modules in this course
This course is an introduction to a series on the discipline of Archaeology. It is intended for learners at all stages, including advanced high school, college students, or life-long learners. Basic information about Archaeology and its history are presented in this course, while the following three courses cover scientific methods, forms of interpretation, and contemporary social issues that archaeologists engage with.
Welcome to Introduction to Knowing The Past! Learn from experienced archaeologists about the science behind archaeological research and the tools used to interpret the past. Discover how archaeology contributes to our understanding of the world today. By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation in the principles of archaeology. Join us on this exciting journey through the fascinating world of archaeology!
What's included
2 videos4 readings1 peer review1 plugin
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 4 minutes
Meet The Professor•3 minutes
1.0 Welcome to Introduction to Knowing The Past•1 minute
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
Discussion Forum Guidelines•10 minutes
Disability Accommodation Statement•10 minutes
Keys to Success 🔑•10 minutes
Knowing The Past Workbook 📖•10 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
1.1 Week 1 Exploring an Archaeological Site and its Researchers 🗺️•60 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
Discussion: Introduce Yourself•15 minutes
Background Information About The Discipline of Archaeology
Module 2•5 hours to complete
Module details
Hey there! Are you curious about how we learn about the past? In this course, you'll meet archaeologists from all over the world and learn how they use scientific techniques to help us draw conclusions about what life was like for people in the past. We will also Learn about Archaeology's role in Anthropology, past approaches, and more. Come join us on this exciting journey!
Week 2 : Exploring an Archaeological Site and its Researchers 🗺️•60 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Biography of an Archaeologist •10 minutes
Coursera Series Overview
Module 3•4 hours to complete
Module details
Welcome to Knowing the Past, Rice University's the Overview! In this module, we'll provide important general background information on archaeology and help you get set up for success as you move through the following three courses. These courses cover Archaeology as Science, Archaeology as Reconstruction of the Past, and Archaeology as Activism. While we recommend taking them in order, you have the option to take them individually. By the end of the series, you'll have a comprehensive overview of what archaeology is today, and we'll provide you with resources to help you navigate the rest of the series. Let's get started!
3.0 Introduction to Coursera Series Overview•1 minute
3.1 Introduction to Archaeology as a Science•5 minutes
3.2 Intro to Archaeological Interpretation of the Past•7 minutes
3.3 Introduction to Archaeology as Activism•3 minutes
5 assignments•Total 150 minutes
3.4 Final Assessment •30 minutes
3.0 Practice Quiz•30 minutes
3.1 Practice Quiz•30 minutes
3.2 Practice Quiz•30 minutes
3.3 Practice Quiz•30 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
3. 4 Week 3 : Exploring an Archaeological Site and its Researchers 🗺️•60 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
3.4 Creating Your Fictional Archaeologist •10 minutes
The Final Dig ⛏️
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
Hello there! The Final Dig ⛏️ is the last module of each course, where you get to put all of your skills and knowledge into practice. It includes a discussion, a final assessment, a graded Peer Review self-evaluation, and a closing video. It's a moment of truth and an excellent opportunity to showcase your learning. You've done a fantastic job so far, and I'm sure you'll do great on the Final Dig ⛏️!
What's included
1 video2 assignments1 peer review
Show info about module content
1 video
The Final Dig: Closing Remarks on Introduction to Knowing The Past•0 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
Project Self Evaluation•30 minutes
Final Assessment•30 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Week 4 : Project Conclusion - Exploring an Archaeological Site and its Researchers 🗺️•60 minutes
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Rice University is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the U.S. and the top 100 in the world. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy.
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Learner reviews
4.8
28 reviews
5 stars
89.28%
4 stars
7.14%
3 stars
0%
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1 star
3.57%
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CJ
5·
Reviewed on Nov 4, 2025
Excellent overview. As a retiree I am not familiar with "on Line" learning. Tis has been a very interesting experience
E
ES
5·
Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025
Excellent review, good insructor, keep me interested. I was a novice in this subjet and this course gave ma good foundation to go further in this specialization. The assignment was fun.
E
EL
5·
Reviewed on Feb 9, 2025
I have learned much. It is well developed, excellent experts and easy to follow course. You just need to find the time.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.