ARCH3208 History and Issues in Maritime Archaeology

This topic introduces students to the history, principles and theory in maritime and underwater archaeology. Students will read and develop a solid foundation in regards to key texts, including book chapters, journal articles and other relevant material. This will provide students with a solid knowledge base on the important figures and key thinking in maritime archaeology over the past century. The topic will provide a global theoretical and historical context in order to discuss and debate the most up-to-date problems and issues in the field.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to the fundamental history, theory and material aspects of maritime and underwater archaeology
• Introduce and examine the discipline of maritime and underwater archaeology from a historical and theoretical perspective
• Explore some of the ways that humans have interacted with and exploited coastal regions as well as inland bodies of water using archaeological evidence
• Examine key themes within maritime and underwater archaeology such as seafaring, the earliest watercraft, prehistoric dwellings to historically significant shipwrecks of the recent past
• Introduce key issues in maritime and underwater archaeology relevant to the issues faced by professionals working in the discipline

1. Demonstrate the ability to explain the history of the practice of underwater and coastal archaeology throughout the world
2. Demonstrate an appreciation of the place and role of maritime archaeology in the interpretation of maritime sub-cultures and culture in the wider context
3. Apply the skills associted with verbal presentations within a seminar context
4. Describe theoretical approaches to the discipline of maritime archaeology and archaeology under water