ARCH1001 Discovering Archaeology

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.

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

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