ANTH 103-50 Introduction to Archaeology

TSR Worksheet
Thesis
1) What are the big points of this article? What does Lynne Sebastian
want us to know about the discipline of archaeology? It is ok to have
several listed at this stage.
Dr. Lynne Sebastian writes about every archaeologists stereotype:
being portrayed as an exciting hero/heroine from a moviewhen an
archaeologists job is actually much duller in comparison. Sebastian
wants to inform the audience that this job does include tedious and
hard procedures that take time and patience; however, that does not
make it entirely uninteresting. Through items that might seem
insignificant, archeologists can connect with the past, which brings
satisfaction.
2) Can you summarize the above points into one larger, all-encompassing
idea? Try to get it to 1 sentence (2 at most). This is the thesis of the
article.
Archaeologists are not always the extravagant adventurous characters
pictured in movies; rather, an accurate illustration of their job may
include dull and tedious procedures. However despite the uninteresting
parts of the job, there are many ways to connect to the past and find
that it is in fact interestingjust not in the ways people expect.
Support
3) For each of the big points you listed in question 1, what is the evidence
Sebastian uses to support or illustrate each point? You should try to
identify at least 1 piece of evidence for each point you listed above.
A) Worse yet, it is detailed work that involves a lot of paperwork and
delicate instruments but has to be done outdoors in every sort of
adverse weather. When it is 20 degrees and you are hunched down
in a square hole in the ground trying to write the descriptions of
layers of dirt with a pen that keeps freezing makes you question
your career choice.
Here, Sebastian is trying to portray an actual day of a life of an
archaeologist. Yes, it is different than most of the movies that include
archaeologists Sebastian is trying to convey to the audience that an
archaeologists life is not all about the drama. Theres more paperwork
and hard work imagined.

B) Archaeology really IS exciting, and not for any of the reasons that
Indy or Laura would suggest. Archaeology is exciting because it
connects with the past in a way that no one else can, and
sometimes the connection can be stunningly immediate and
personal.
Sebastian acknowledges that archaeology may be casted off as boring;
however, here she is trying to show the readers that it is in fact
interesting, but not in the ways that they expect. Through archaeology,
archaeologists are able to connect to the past in ways imaginable; and
sometimes these connections are not expected. She shows the readers
that archaeology is not the same ones that Indy or Laura would show,
but it is all exciting either way.
C) Is archaeology the most mind numbing pursuit in the world as
Calvin claims? Or is it soooo exciting as my airline seatmates
always claim? Both. And so much more. What Laura and Indy and
others dont know about archaeology is that its not about things, it
is about people. It is understanding life in the past, understanding
who we are
Here is more solid evidence that illustrates what Sebastian is saying.
She is saying that archaeology is something that people already have a
set imageone that is full of drama and great jewels or priceless
goods. However in reality, this kind of job is not accurate; archaeology
can be about the little overlooked pieces of pottery of overlooked
footprints. However, it does bring connection that cannot be felt
elsewhere, which makes this job very satisfying.
4) Of the evidence listed in question 3, which pieces directly relate to the
Thesis you identified in question 2? You should be able to work this
down to 2-4 main sub-points, all of which support (build upon) the main
Thesis.
I would use evidences A & C, just for the reasons that B is linked with
C; but C does a better job in portraying what Sebastian is trying to
inform the readers.
In a nutshell, Sebastian is saying that people everywhere already have
a set stereotype for archaeology. Due to the effects of watching too
much of dramatized television with archaeology, people
automatically think that archaeology is something where people search
for priceless items to send directly to the museum. However, in
actuality, these expeditions take countless time and effort with boring
paperwork and getting to the site, archaeologists pay attention to

the ground, even taking notes about the dirt. However, though this
might seem like endless boring work, it is actually very satisfying.
Through overlooked items such as broken pottery or worn out
handprints, archaeologists are able to connect to the past in ways
imaginable.
Relevance
5) Why is this article important? Does it alter our understanding of some
important aspect of Archaeology? Is it a commentary on a societal trait
or aspect? Does it uncover new evidence? This is the part where you
need to decide the importance of the article! TIP: keep going deeper,
asking why? An answer of because it gives us new evidence is not
enough to earn top marks!
This article was honestly very interesting; it tackled the annoying
stereotype that archaeologists everywhere face. I, included, am guilty
of such a thought. Not only did it alter how I thought about
archaeologists, it made me consider their jobs and many job
stereotypes elsewhere. The importance of the article was to present to
the audience that archaeology is not what everyone expectsrather, it
is more of a down-to-earth job that also does require paperwork like
other jobs. It isnt always about the adventure or finding priceless
items. Now why would this be the focal, important point of the article?
Because it expands and opens the audiences minds! Not only do I
think about the wrongful stereotypes that archaeologists carry, I think
about jobs and what stereotypes I may expect from them. It made me
consider my own dream profession: teaching. Teaching may not always
be given to bright, stellar students hungry for information. It might be
with rebellious teenagers, or sick children who make a mess in the
classroom. I often think about the dream job; however, this article
brought me down to consider many more options. It made my
perspective grow and consider many other possibilities. Obviously, this
article is written in regards to societal traitswe as people make hasty
judgments about many things; and careers are no different. Due to
influence directed to us, we often think many things should be done a
certain way or be a certain way.