AR2TAH-Archaeology and heritage: past, present and future

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Duncan Garrow
Email: d.j.garrow@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module focuses on how and why archaeologists have excavated and interpreted the material remains of past societies over time (from some of the earliest interpretations of the past in the ancient Near East and Classical Greece and Rome to the modern day). It also looks at the evolution of ideas through time, investigating how wider society has changed archaeology, and how heritage has the capacity to transform the world in different ways. The module is global in outlook and international in scope. As well as outlining the history of archaeology, the module also explores many of the key theoretical approaches that archaeologists are currently using to interpret the past, including anthropology. The module also looks at a series of case studies, focusing on work currently being carried out in the Department which demonstrates how archaeology and heritage can impact upon wider society in different ways. One of the central aims of the module is also to consider where the discipline’s ideas might go in future. The kinds of issue the module will cover include: the development of the discipline from 18th century Antiquarian treasure-hunting to 21st century post-modern ideas; theories of evolution; the relationship between archaeology and anthropology; sex, gender and identity; ethnicity; materiality; the power of objects; the ethical implications of doing archaeology; and heritage management.

Aims:

• To provide students with an overview of the history of archaeology and archaeological ideas.


• To outline the major developments in archaeological thinking over the past 200 years.


• To discuss some of the key theoretical ideas which have arisen within archaeology in recent decades, and to assess their impact on our understanding of archaeological sites.


• To investigate how archaeology has been influenced by wider society, and in turn how heritage can influence people’s broader understandings of the world.


• To consider the future of archaeology and heritage across the globe.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of key aspects of the history of archaeologyÌý


2. Discuss key theoretical concepts in archaeology developed over the past 30 years


3. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different archaeological ideas


4. Discuss the relationship between archaeological ‘theories’ and the interpretations of the material r ecord those theories are used to interpret


5. Appreciate the varied ways in which heritage can impact upon wider society.


6. Demonstrate a clear understanding of how global archaeology and heritage might develop in future.

Additional outcomes:

Participation in seminars will enable students to develop and apply their communication and presentation skills through structured discussion sessions. Research and analytical skills will be developed through participation in seminars and completion of the written coursework components. Contributions to the module’sÌý group blog will enable students to appreciate and enhance the academic value of online resources. Production of the group presentations will enable students to develop their ability to present archaeological information and complex ideas to an audience, and to enhance their teamworking skills.

Outline content:

This module focuses on the history of archaeology, and especially archaeological ideas, in the long-term. It also considers many of the key concepts that have underlain much recent archaeological interpretation and the ways in which heritage can impact upon the world and wider society. The main issues the module will cover include the development of the discipline from 18th Century Antiquarian treasure-hunting to 21st century post-modern ideas. The kinds of subject that will be covered includ e: theories of evolution; sex, gender and identity; ethnicity; materiality and the power o