本課程偏重人類學中的「考古學」研究，期中考前以介紹考古學的知識背景為主，之後的區域研究是以台灣史前史為主的研究成果，介紹台灣的考古學發展，以及以台灣及其周邊為專題領域等方面。
一般將台灣考古學的開始定為1896年，早期多為探險式的遺址發現調查，後期才見機關團體進行系統性的調查與研究，在日本學者主導約五十年的時間奠定了台灣考古學的基礎。到1950年代前後，大陸中國學者來台，帶來中國考古學的歷史研究方法，確立了台灣考古學的文化史研究方向。1970年代以來，留學生陸續引進西方的新知識，讓今日的台灣考古學更加多元。
台灣史前史始於更新世晚期的舊石器時代，當時人類藉由冰河時期的陸橋從東亞大陸步行進入台灣島。到了六千年前又有大量的南島移民帶來新的技術與生活方式，此新石器時代在台灣各地深入適應與發展，形成特有的文化面貌。到了兩千年前，鐵器的出現取代了長久以來的石器，導致生活方式的劇烈改變。鐵器時代也是與外界大量進行物資交換的時代，從這個接觸過程中，台灣原住民學得了新知識與新技術。到了十七世紀則是由貿易帶來文化的接觸與影響。雖然地處海島，但是史前以來的台灣便不斷地透過各種方式吸收外來要素，並融合於多樣的本島文化之中。
此外，史前台灣和其周邊地區有著緊密的關係，認識我們周邊地區的發展亦是暸解台灣的重要管道，因此於課程最後亦將安排若干相關區域的考古介紹。
無論從學史角度或台灣史前發展脈絡來看，台灣考古學皆有其獨特性質，此為台灣考古研究須把握的基礎。
本課程兼具「考古學」導論與「台灣研究學程」等兩項目標，具體而言，主要期待在讓同學藉此深入考古學以及台灣之考古學研究概況。

This course focuses on "archaeology" research in anthropology. Before the midterm exam, it mainly introduces the knowledge background of archeology. The subsequent regional studies focus on the research results of Taiwan's prehistory, introduce the development of archeology in Taiwan, and focus on Taiwan and its surrounding areas as thematic areas.
The beginning of Taiwan's archeology is generally dated to 1896. In the early days, it was mostly exploratory-style site discovery and investigation. Later, institutions and groups conducted systematic investigations and research. The foundation of Taiwan's archeology was laid in about fifty years under the leadership of Japanese scholars. Around the 1950s, Chinese scholars from mainland China came to Taiwan, bringing historical research methods of Chinese archeology and establishing the cultural history research direction of Taiwanese archeology. Since the 1970s, overseas students have gradually introduced new knowledge from the West, making Taiwan’s archeology today more diverse.
Taiwan's prehistory begins in the Paleolithic Age of the late Pleistocene, when humans walked into the island of Taiwan from the East Asian mainland through the land bridge of the Ice Age. Six thousand years ago, a large number of immigrants from the South Island brought new technologies and lifestyles. During this Neolithic Age, Taiwan was deeply adapted and developed, forming a unique cultural look. Two thousand years ago, the emergence of iron tools replaced the long-standing stone tools, leading to drastic changes in lifestyles. The Iron Age was also an era of extensive material exchange with the outside world. From this contact process, Taiwan's indigenous people learned new knowledge and new technologies. In the seventeenth century, trade brought cultural contact and influence. Although it is located on an island, Taiwan has continuously absorbed foreign elements through various methods since prehistoric times and integrated them into the diverse cultures of the island.
In addition, prehistoric Taiwan has a close relationship with its surrounding areas. Understanding the development of our surrounding areas is also an important way to understand Taiwan. Therefore, at the end of the course, there will also be an introduction to the archeology of some related areas.
Whether viewed from a historical perspective or Taiwan's prehistoric development context, Taiwan's archeology has its own unique characteristics, which is the foundation that Taiwan's archaeological research must grasp.
This course has two objectives: "Introduction to Archeology" and "Taiwan Studies Course". Specifically, it is mainly expected to allow students to gain an in-depth understanding of archeology and the overview of archaeological research in Taiwan.

1.了解台灣史前史的時空架構
2.復原台灣史前人類的生活方式
3.探討台灣原住民與史前人的關係

1. Understand the temporal and spatial structure of Taiwan’s prehistory
2. Restore the lifestyle of prehistoric humans in Taiwan
3. Explore the relationship between Taiwan’s aborigines and prehistoric people

Colin Renfrew & Paul Bahn著2015《考古學 理論方法與實踐》
陳淳譯 上海古籍出版社。
屈慧麗 2009 《城市考古-隨筆與論述》 國立自然科學博物館 台中。
屈慧麗 2023 《中部人說故事-兼論黃炫星先生捐贈水蛙窟遺址標本》國立自然科學博物館 台中。

2015 "Archaeology: Theoretical Methods and Practice" by Colin Renfrew & Paul Bahn
Translated by Chen Chun, Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House.
Qu Huili 2009 "Urban Archeology-Essays and Discussions" National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung.
Qu Huili 2023 "Central People Tell Stories - Also on Mr. Huang Xuanxing's Donation of Specimens from Shuiwa Cave Site" National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung.