Final answer:
The Colgate University summer workshops in archaeology aim to train students in archaeological excavation techniques for uncovering ancient artifacts and understanding their historical context.
Step-by-step explanation:
The goals of the Colgate University summer workshops in archaeology were focused on the archaeological excavation of sites to uncover ancient artifacts. The workshops emphasize the development of practical skills in excavation techniques, including the careful removal of artifacts and piecing together their historical context. Archaeologists at these workshops investigate everything from art pieces to the ruins of buildings to understand the creativity and technological capabilities of past civilizations. By analyzing these artifacts, researchers can reconstruct the diets, social structures, and environmental interactions of ancient peoples.
Artifacts serve as a cornerstone in the field of archaeology, helping to reveal past human behaviors, artistic expressions, and technological advances. The students at these workshops learn to apply various chronometric dating methods, such as dendrochronology, to accurately date their findings. Furthermore, they learn how to interpret these artifacts within the proper contexts, considering both emic and etic perspectives to gain a full understanding of the past societies.
While the precise activities of each workshop can vary, the overarching aim remains to train students in the methods and theories of archaeology, equipping them with the knowledge to continue contributing to this field of study.