Studying at York
Debates in Funerary Archaeology - ARC00077M
Module summary
This module aims to explore the debates in methodology and interpretation that have informed archaeological approaches to death and burial in the past. Drawing on both anthropological and archaeological cases studies from across the globe, we track the development of thought about studying death in the past, from critiquing interpretations that regard burial and grave goods as the straight-forward presentation of status, to examining the complexities and diversities of identity and ritual that arise in different cultural approaches to death.
Students say they find the module fascinating and intellectually stimulating, often commenting that they come out with an enhanced understanding not only of funerary archaeology, but the broader archaeology discipline.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Spring Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
-
To critically examine the ways in which the evidence from, and methods used in, the funerary archaeology are interpreted
-
To critically analyse how past and current theoretical debates are shaping the sub-discipline of funerary archaeology
-
To develop research, analytical and presentational skills
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should
-
Be familiar with the historical development and significant debates of Funerary Archaeology studies and be able to situate them within the broader development of Archaeology as a discipline
-
Have knowledge of the key research questions and methodologies for studying death and burial in Archaeology
-
Be able to critically evaluate the different interpretative and methodological approaches to the study of funerary practices and to assess their application to different prehistoric periods and contexts
-
Have an awareness of the standard terminology and style for reporting funerary practices
-
Have enhanced their skills in oral presentations, discussion and debate
Module content
The module starts by exploring the foundational debates in funerary archaeology, the move from processualist methods to the post-processualist critique, as well as exploring the impact of anthropological analogy on interpretations. The second part of the module focuses on a series of topical debates, drawing on case studies to critically examine the methods used and their contribution to archaeology. Topics covered include: Funerary rites and the role of ritual practice; Identity in burial studies; Material culture of death; Memory, and commemoration; Ethics and politics of the dead; and Death and attitudes to the human body.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Feedback will be available within 6 weeks
Indicative reading
Bradbury, J. and Scarre, C. eds. (2017). Engaging with the dead: exploring changing human beliefs about death, mortality and the human body. Oxford: Oxbow.
Parker Pearson, M. (1999). The archaeology of death and burial. Stroud: Sutton.
Tarlow, S. and Nilsson Stutz, L. eds. (2013). The Oxford handbook of death and burial. Oxford: Oxford University Press.