Anthropology and Archaeology
Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute
Anthropology in its broadest applications is the scientific study of human culture from its origins some 2.5 million years ago to the present day. Archaeology is a major branch of anthropology that examines the cultures of prehistoric, protohistoric, historic, and recently extinct societies. The department of anthropology and archaeology provides basic training in the broad field of anthropology as well as specialized training in archaeology, physical anthropology and forensic anthropology.
Through the unique mechanism of participation in the year-round research activities of the Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute (MAI), students have the opportunity of "hands-on" experience in all phases of contemporary archaeological research. MAI, which is the only division level program of its kind in North America, possesses some of the most sophisticated laboratory and field equipment available in the United States.
MAI conducts archaeological and related field work all over the United States, Europe and the Near East. A variety of long-term MAI field and archival research projects are currently underway on the Isles of Scilly in the United Kingdom, throughout Erie County, Pa., and in the Allegheny National Forest. Further, MAI is a participant in the multidisciplinary investigations at Oviedo, Spain, at Caesarea Maritima in Israel, and at the upper Palaeolithic site of Mezhirich in Ukraine. Additional long-term research projects are now being planned in Russia and the Czech Republic. Through these year round activities, students have access to a wide variety of research opportunities in diverse environmental, topical and chronological settings.
Mercyhurst College serves as a regional center through which coroners and law enforcement officials in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and West Virginia can consult with forensic anthropologists on a wide variety of cases from rural searches to laboratory analyses. Students concentrating on forensic anthropology will have the opportunity to participate in a number of forensic projects and cases conducted by the department.
Mercyhurst also serves as the principal center for forensic geoarchaeological studies for various federal agencies protecting Archaeological Resources Protection Act cases. Through this unique venue, students can actually assist in preparing evidence to be used in the ongoing war against the illicit vandalization of America's archaeological heritage.
The department of anthropology and archaeology also has a special relationship with the geology department at Mercyhurst College. In fact, both are integral parts of the Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute. Because of the critical necessity of basic geological training to the education of undergraduates with an interest in archaeology, a variety of geology courses are available that are tailored to meet the needs of archaeology students. Many of these courses are taught by the geology faculty, while others are team-taught between the departments.
This department also participates in the interdisciplinary program in applied forensic sciences.
Majors and Concentrations
- Anthropology/Archaeology Major
- Anthropology Concentration
- Bioarchaeology Concentration
Minors
- Anthropology/Archaeology Minor
- Interdisciplinary Gender Studies Minor