The History & Theory of Archaeology - CED00060C

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Module summary

The history of archaeological thought has changed a great deal since the speculations of early antiquarians, often in tandem with political and social opinions of the time. This module will introduce students to the many ways in which archaeologists have sought to negotiate their relationship with the human and material past from the nineteenth century to the present day, so that they might develop a critical understanding of the relationship between archaeological history and theory; its impact upon the study and practice of archaeology; and its regional and global development.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Spring Term 2023-24

Module aims

To introduce students to the history of archaeological thought from the nineteenth century to the present. It aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the development of the discipline of archaeology worldwide, thereby providing a basis for a critical appreciation of current archaeological practice and theory.

Case studies will be used to illustrate the impact of theoretical developments on archaeological practice and the subsequent implications this had for the development of the discipline both regionally and worldwide.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand how archaeology seeks to understand the human past
• Be familiar with major theoretical debates within archaeology and the consequences that they have had for archaeological practice
• Assess the practical and theoretical contributions made by a number of major figures
• Begin to appreciate the links between theory and practice and to understand how the wider social and political context of archaeology has influenced the development of the various theoretical positions within the discipline
• Understand and respect different theoretical or political viewpoints in discussion

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted.

The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.

Indicative reading

• Johnson, M. (1999) Archaeological theory. An introduction, Blackwell Publishers.
• Trigger, B. G. (1989) A History of archaeological thought, Cambridge University Press. (particularly useful)
• Hodder, I. and Hutson, S. (2003) Reading the past, 3rd edition, Cambridge University Press.
• Renfrew, C & Bahn, P. (1991) Archaeology. Theories, methods and practice, Thames & Hudson