Module overview
Contemporary archaeology operates within a broad remit: its traditional focus on understanding a deep past is now supplemented by studies of more recent material cultures, and issues of heritage, representation and the politics of the past. All of these dimensions of study, dialogue and practice are conducted within theoretical frameworks that are conditioned by contemporary perspectives on the world. The purpose of this module is to explore the interrelated themes of contemporary archaeological theory and practice, and archaeology’s place in the modern world. It is about the production of archaeological pasts for academic and non-academic audiences, and how such pasts are consumed and contested. Students will gain an understanding of the links between archaeology and anthropology, philosophy, sociology and behavioural sciences (among others), and develop a critical understanding of current issues and debates within archaeology which can then be deployed across other modules and dissertation study.
Linked modules
ARCH1057
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- how contemporary social, political and economic contexts influence contemporary theory-building and archaeological practice;
- the nature of archaeological practice as an often contested activity in the present;
- the links between archaeology and other disciplines including anthropology, philosophy, sociology, human geography, postcolonial studies and behavioural science.
- a range of current inferential, social and critical archaeological thinking;
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- undertake data collection, synthesis and presentation.
- identify appropriate theoretical tools to plan and carry out research for the dissertation in Year 3;
- employ analytical skills appropriate to the study of social archaeology;
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- critically evaluate key themes and debates in social archaeology;
- critically interrogate the social and political role of archaeological practice;
- demonstrate written communication skills;
- apply aspects of current archaeological thought to archaeological examples;
- appreciate the contested nature of the past, the variety of values placed upon it, and the sensitivity of academic research.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate written communication skills;
- gather information from a variety of sources, analyse and evaluate it critically.
Syllabus
Through lectures and related seminars, this module will cover:
* the influence of contemporary political, social and economic fields on archaeological practice and inference;
* contemporary theory in archaeology;
* how the archaeological past is valued, owned and contested, by both academic and public communities;
* how the past is represented through the media, museums and other modes of display.
Where appropriate, students will be directed to recent debates within the media and in academic circles that focus on issues relating to heritage and public engagement with archaeology (e.g. heritage at risk stories, TV portrayals, new legislation, and so forth). These may be used as the basis for seminar discussions.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures followed by group seminars/discussions.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 84 |
| Completion of assessment task | 40 |
| Lecture | 11 |
| Seminar | 15 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Hodder, I. (ed.). (2012). Archaeological Theory Today. Cambridge: Polity.
Holtorf, C. (2005). From Stonehenge to Las Vegas: Archaeology as Popular Culture. Walnut Creek: AltaMira Press.
Renfrew, C (2000). Loot, Legitimacy and Ownership. London: Duckworth.
Meskell, L. (ed.) (2009). Cosmopolitan Archaeologies. Durham: Duke University Press.
Harris, O.J.T. & Cipolla C.N. (2017). Archaeological Theory in the New Millennium: introducing current perspectives. London: Routledge.
Assessment
Summative
Summative assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 50% |
| Journal | 50% |
Referral
Referral assessment description
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External