ARCH3107 History of Archaeological Thought

2020

4.5

1 x 2-hour seminar weekly

4.5 units of second level ARCH topics

ARCH3301 has been successfully completed

This topic provides an historical survey of major developments in archaeological theory and method as a background to an assessment of the emergence of archaeology as we practice it today. Within this framework the topic discusses issues including time, space, form, social environments and some of the elements that inform archaeological interpretation, such as gender, class and ideology. Case studies from a wide variety of archaeological sub-disciplines will enable students to develop a sound understanding of the relationships between archaeological theory and practice. This topic is a prerequisite to Honours admission.

This topic aims to:

• examine archaeological theory and its practical applications

• explore the history of archaeological thought

• address the relationship between archaeological data and archaeological theory and method

• develop an awareness of the variety of subject areas from where archaeological theories and methods have been and are drawn

• enable students how to critically evaluate theory and method in archaeological publications

• examine the appropriateness of particular theories and methods to their own research projects

On completion of this topic students will have:

• demonstrated familiarity with the use of archaeological theory and its practical applications

• acquired the skills to be able to decide the appropriateness of particular theories and methods to their own research projects

• obtained a basic understanding of the history of archaeological thought

• achieved a better understanding of the relationship between archaeological data and archaeological theory and method

• demonstrated an awareness of the variety of subject areas from where archaeological theories and methods have been and are drawn

• learnt how to critically evaluate theory and method in archaeological publications

• developed some of the skills that are important at university and in the workplace, such as communication skills and the ability to work in groups