Unit name | Contemporary Theory in Archaeology |
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Unit code | ARCH25002 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Professor. Joanna Bruck |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of Anthropology and Archaeology |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit aims to acquaint students with current themes in archaeological theory. Emphasis is placed upon understanding the role of theory in contemporary archaeology and in understanding the situations within which various approaches to archaeological theory have developed. The content of the unit will provide students with the skills to effectively read, understand and assess current archaeological literature on the basis of its theoretical stance. The unit provides an overview of the philosophical and material dimensions of various theoretical positions, reviewing the history of this development and providing the necessary analytical frameworks within which to understand contemporary trends in archaeological theory.
Aims to:
At the end of the unit, a successful student will be able to
1. Discuss the broad philosophical and historical development of contemporary archaeological theory.
2. Interpret the broad scope of philosophical and theoretical literature as it applies tothe study of archaeology.
3. Evaluate critically and deconstruct archaeological texts on the basis of their theoretical underpinnings.
4. Explain and evaluate archaeological data from multiple theoretical standpoints.
Lectures and seminars.
One 2,500 word essay (50%) and one 2 hour examination (50%).