Expert: Ralph Salier - 7/1/2011

Question
I have heard that in the US, Archaeology is taught as a branch of Anthropology in the UG level whereas in Canada and the UK it is taught as a separate subject. Why is it taught as a branch of Anthropology in the US and not in UK and Canada?

Answer
Hi Sagnik,

in the US archaeology is viewed as a part of anthropology because when doing and excavation, we are looking at the remnants of culture. how we live, where we live the foods we eat, how they are prepared etc... but having an understanding of extant culture, what is found in the ground is easier to understand and to relate to living cultural activities.