Cultural Resource Management

Cultural resource management (CRM) is an applied approach to heritage management that focuses on identifying, documenting, assessing, and managing cultural resources, both tangible and intangible. The Cultural Resource Management Certificate trains students in field and office practices in the CRM industry, including contemporary methods and the regulatory environment. The program courses also emphasize the importance of applying modern principles to ensure ethical conduct and respectful collaboration with community partners. Certificate holders should have a competitive advantage for both industry jobs and graduate school pursuits. 

Students successfully completing this certificate will have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Describe the laws and regulations relevant to CRM, and explain their practical application.
2. Critically evaluate the historical and legal contexts for cultural resources  management in the United States with an emphasis on current practices in California. 
3. Describe the various aspects of a CRM project from beginning to end.
4. Implement methods expected of a new field technician in the CRM industry, including: map & compass proficiency, basic excavation and survey techniques, soil identification, and proficiency with CA DPR 523 forms. 
5. Detail the methods and theories archaeologists use to reconstruct the past, in particular how to apply the scientific method in archaeology, including site identification, research strategies, and reporting procedures.
6. Demonstrate readiness to make key contributions to a CRM team through competency in at least two specialty methods areas, such as: archaeological material analysis, faunal analysis, remote sensing, geographic information science, ethnobotany, and/or soil science.
7. Explain the importance of recognizing tribal sovereignty and authority, and the importance of consulting and collaborating with indigenous communities, while conceiving of and conducting cultural resources management work.

Contact

Marissa Ramsier, Anthropology Department Chair

marissa.ramsier@humboldt.edu