Module overview
As is well-known, archaeology has very strong connections with other disciplines. This module explores how the study of archaeology has developed over the centuries, both as a discipline in its own right and as a sister discipline within Anthropology. It also explores how archaeology has come to be the gateway between the humanities and the sciences. In particular, the module explores the relationship of archaeology to sister disciplines biological anthropology, social anthropology and linguistics, and how the four disciplines have co- evolved in the last 150 years. From the beginnings of archaeology in antiquarianism many centuries ago, through to its growth as a university discipline from the 19th century, to its current interdisciplinary approaches, we shall introduce some of the main themes that have informed archaeological and anthropological thought. We shall discus some of the philosophical and scientific influences on archaeology and anthropology (the Enlightenment, evolution, ethnology, science and cultural theory), relating these to broader historical trends in the development of archaeological thinking.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Research and discover sources
- Hold an online discussion of ideas in small groups
- Engage better with self-directed learning
- Manage your time to meet assignment deadlines
- Improve your essay writing and know how to structure an argument
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The principal trends in archaeological and anthropological thought
- The history of archaeology and anthropology as disciplines
- The relationship of archaeology to anthropology
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Evaluate archaeological writings in their historical context
- Understand the contribution of some key scholars to archaeological and anthropological thought
- Describe some of the intellectual frameworks that have informed archaeology and anthropology
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Think critically and self-reflectively
- Critically interpret readings
Syllabus
The module describes the history of archaeology and anthropology, and introduces some of the main themes that have informed archaeological and anthropological thought. It establishes a core of knowledge about the ways in which archaeologists and anthropologists have approached the study of other societies and cultures in the present and the past.
The module describes the historical development of archaeology from antiquarianism to the present day. It will introduce some of the philosophical and scientific influences on archaeology and anthropology (antiquarianism, evolution, ethnology, science and cultural theory) relating these to broader historical trends in the development of archaeological thinking.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- lectures
- seminars
- in-class discussions
Learning activities include
- lectures
- seminars and in-class discussions
- background reading
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 |
| Revision | 25 |
| Follow-up work | 12 |
| Completion of assessment task | 25 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 24 |
| Wider reading or practice | 40 |
| Seminar | 2 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Trigger, B. (1990). A History of Archaeological Thought. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Layton, Robert (1997). An Introduction to Theory in Anthropology. Cambridge: Cambridge University.
Schnapp, A. (1996). The Discovery of the Past. London: British Museum.
Renfrew, C. & P. Bahn (2000). Archaeology: theories, methods and practice. London: Thames & Hudson.
Ingold, T. (ed.) (1994). Companion Encyclopedia of Anthropology. Routledge.
Johnson, M. (1999). Archaeological Theory: An Introduction. Oxford: Blackwell.
Bahn, P. (ed.) (1996). Cambridge Illustrated History of Archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Gamble, C. (2008). Archaeology: The Basics. London: Routledge.
Stiebing, W.H (1993). Uncovering the Past. New York: Oxford University Press.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The two seminar discussions are designed to encourage you to prepare and contribute to small-group discussions. You are required to attend and participate in seminars, and non-attendance/non-participation is likely to lead to reduced marks in subsequent assessments.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Seminar
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 50% |
| Critical review | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External