ARCH3107 History of Archaeological Thought

This topic is a prerequisite to admission to an honours program in Archaeology.

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 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

1. Demonstrate familiarity with the use of archaeological theory and its practical applications
2. Apply appropriate archaeological theories and methods to your own research projects
3. Outline the history of archaeological thought
4. Articulate the relationship between archaeological data and archaeological theory and method
5. Demonstarte an awareness of the variety of subject areas from where archaeological theories and methods have been and are drawn
6. Critically evaluate theory and method in archaeological publications
7. Apply specific skills that are important at university and in the workplace such as communication skills and the ability to work in groups