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- John J. Shea
Archaeology/Expert Profile
Expertise
Questions about Old World prehistoric archaeology (mainly Europe, Near East, and Africa during the Paleolithic period/Pleistocene Epoch). IMPORTANT: I do not give advice about colleges. I do not appraise the value of artifacts or fossils.
Experience in the area
University professor of anthropology/archaeology since 1991. Dozens of publications in peer-review anthropology journals. Director of archaeological-paleontological expeditions and excavations in Israel, Jordan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya. See my main profile under Allexperts` "Anthropology" section. Professional website: http://www.sunysb.edu/anthro/staff/jshea.shtml Personal website: http://www.sunysb.edu/anthro/Shea/Shea%20pers%20webpage.htm
What do you like about this subject?
It combines the life of the mind with an active outdoors lifestyle.
What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?
I want to understand the relationship between prehistoric human behavioral variability and our species dispersal across the world.
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
Thomas Jefferson conducted one of the first archaeological excavations in America.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
Archaeology is the remedy to just about every claim made about the past by religious fundamentalists, demagogic politicians, and crackpot scientists.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sujatha Gopal | 11/24/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you so much Dr. Shea. I ..... |
| M C Richardt | 08/22/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| mark | 08/19/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | John- Excellent call- It was indeed found ..... |
| Chris | 05/20/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Lisa | 04/09/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Mr Shea's response was thorough and well ..... |
Recent Answers from John J. Shea
2011-11-23 Is archeology a good career option?:
Dear Mrs. Gopal, I'd encourage him to go on an excavation, just to broaden his intellectual background, as well as to see if the field actually interests him. (It is not the thrills and adventure you
2011-11-14 Indian Stone Tool / Weapon:
Hi John It looks like a hoe or an axe. The surface is kind of weathered, though and the chipping at the bottom (6 o'clock on photo) looks more recent that the other chipping scars. I'd take it to an
2011-09-28 stone artifacts:
Hi Pam They are not stone tools. They are bits of limestone that have been shaped by erosion. They are probably left over from a river that ran through your property long ago. Alternatively, it is
2011-08-18 high school classes:
Dear MC In high school it is way too early to specialize. Take a wide range of classes, but be sure you take, and do well in biology, chemistry, physics, also math. The world history, earth science
2011-05-18 Egyptology:
Chris First, read as much as you can about the subject in the professional literature. Look for well-reviewed books for popular audiences by major researchers. Pay attention to who gets cited in the
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