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Themes in Archaeological Theory and Practice

Module description

This module aims at providing you with a range of analytical and interpretative skills through the exploration of theoretical and methodological approaches to contemporary archaeological research. This will be achieved through lectures and class discussions, where we will have the chance to examine in detail different perspectives and approaches through a wide range of case studies. You will be encouraged to think about the integrated nature of theory and practice in archaeological research, and to develop your critical analytical skills through the examination and discussion of a variety of approaches in a wide range of settings.

Knowledge of archaeological theory and methods is essential for anyone entering research in archaeology. Critical analytical and interpretative skills deriving from the systematic study of these can also be useful for professional and personal development within a wider framework.

Module aims - intentions of the module

• To provide knowledge of recent archaeological theory and methods.

• To provide you with critical analytical skills to discuss and assess current applications of archaeological theory and method to particular case studies.

• To provide you with a first experience with a range of analytical skills applied to archaeological research through the discussion of case studies and ongoing research projects.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Develop knowledge and appreciation of theoretical approaches that are required for the specific tasks set in the module
• 2. Develop knowledge and appreciation of methodological approaches that are required for the specific tasks set in the module

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Demonstrate familiarity with specific skills relating to data and practice in archaeological research
• 4. Show familiarity with a wide range of theoretical approaches in the discipline, and discern their applicability in a range of contexts

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Contribute to group discussions in a collaborative environment, either face-to-face or remotely via online platforms
• 6. Present developed skills in writing and summarising arguments
• 7. Present developed skills in oral presentations
• 8. Present advanced critical analytical skills of both specific case studies and broader thematic issues

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Recent approaches to archaeological theory
• Interaction and socio-material networks
• Technologies and skill transmission
• Interdisciplinary approaches in Archaeology
• Spatial analysis
• Human-environmental relations
• Critical heritage approaches and indigenous archaeologies
• Case studies in archaeological research

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Bentley, A., H. Maschner & C. Chippindale. 2008. Handbook of Archaeological Theories. Altamira Press
• David, B. and J Thomas. 2012. Handbook of Landscape Archaeology. Routledge.
• Hodder, I. 2012. Archaeological Theory Today. Polity
• Johnson, M. 2010. Archaeological Theory: An Introduction (2^nd ed.).  Wiley-Blackwell.
• Lydon, J. and U Rizvi. 2010. Handbook of Postcolonial Archaeology. Routledge
• Meskell, L. and R. McGuire. 2004. A Companion to Social Archaeology. Blackwell

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=11477

Key words search

Archaeological theory methods