Basic Information
Abstract
The course presents an introduction to the use of simulation, modeling, and Monte Carlo methods in archaeology. It includes consideration of the relevant archaeological literature and teaches the fundamentals of programming. Students will develop an in-depth conceptual understanding of simulation and Monte Carlo analysis, an appreciation of the potential of this technique, and a mastery of the mechanics of programming simple simulations. ASM 565 or equivalent experience in the use of quantitative methods and computers is a prerequisite. No prior knowledge of computer programming or simulation is expected; I anticipate that most students will have little or no such experience.
Requirements
Class periods will include lectures, student presentations on readings and student-led class discussions on the required readings. Students will program small simulations and Monte Carlo analyses that will be due through the first part of the course and will develop a larger simulation or Monte Carlo analysis for a term project. Course grades will be based on the term project, the assigned problems, in-class presentations, and participation in class discussions. It will not be possible to get a grade higher than B without significant participation in discussion.
Problem sets are due in class on the assigned date. Associated writeups should be typed, not exceed 3 double-spaced pages plus necessary figures and tables. Problem sets should be written in a reasonably formal academic style as one of the goals of the course is to enchance your professional skills in writing clearly and appropriately about quantitative applications. Figures and tables need not be of publication quality, but should be clear and well-labeled. Since the problem sets will be discussed on the day they are due, late problem sets will not be accepted.
The term project is due in my mailbox Friday, May 4, at 5:00 PM. It should be about 10 pages and may not under any circumstances exceed 20 typed, double spaced pages of text plus associated figures and tables. You may find it useful to use SYSTAT or a spreadsheet to analyze or present data developed in you simulations. A brief, typed abstract is due March 6. A draft of the paper is due by 9AM on April 9. By April 16, I will read and comment on the draft so that you can revise it. You make a 15 minute presentation of your simulation to the class (in the style of a SAA paper) in one of the two final class periods.
Projects may be done using the campus microcomputer sites, or on home microcomputers. For programming, the class will use Java SDK 1.3 which is available at free from Sun Microsystems www.java.sun.com. For a program editor, you may want to use TextPad, an evaluation copy of which is available free online from www.textpad.com. The text for programming is Walter Savitch, 2001, Java: An Introduction to Computer Science and Programming,2nd, Ed. Prentice Hall. You can use another Java Book, but I looked at several and this looked the clearest to me. (Lewis and Loftis, 2001 Java Software Solutions, Addison Wesley is being used by Computer Science intro courses and it appears to be good as well). A number of readings will be taken from Timothy Kohler and George Gumerman, 2000, Dynamics in Human and Primate Societies: Agent-Based Modeling of Social and Spatial Processes Oxford. Other readings will be available (for xeroxing) in the Anthropology Library.
Tentative Schedule (Thursday makeup sessions in red)
Jan 16
Jan 23
Jan 25 (Thursday)
Jan 30
Feb 6
Feb 13
Feb 20
Feb 27
Mar 6
Mar 13 Spring Break
Mar 20 Kintigh at SAA Executive Committee Meeting, San Juan
Mar 27
Apr 3 Kintigh in Washington DC
Apr 10
Apr 17 SAA Meeting
Apr 24
Apr 26 (Thursday), May 1
May 4