Year
2021
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 1-hour lecture weekly
1 x 2-hour tutorial weekly
Assessment
Tutorial workbook; Essay; Tutorial paper; Library assignment.
Topic description

This topic explores what archaeologists do, how they understand past human behaviour through the study of material remains, and the principles of archaeological practice around the world.

Educational aims

This topic aims to:

  • Introduce students to some of the leading theoretical and practical aspects of archaeology
  • Use examples from prehistory, as well as from the archaeology of the recent past to explain how archaeologists reconstruct past human behaviour
  • Introduce students to the key methods of archaeological practice and the principles of dating and analysis
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

  1. Identify the main types of archaeology and how they are similar and different
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of how archaeologists reconstruct past human behaviour through the study of material remains
  3. Recognise key developments in archaeological method and theory
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the main political and ethical issues involved in the practice of archaeology around the world