Introduction to Archaeology

A Certificate of Participation is awarded to participants who contribute constructively to weekly discussions and exercises/learning activities for the duration of the course. This tutor-led, cohort-based online course is 7-weeks in duration and is made up of 5 teaching units. Unit 1: What exactly is archaeology? This unit will provide an overview of key themes, theories and the nature of archaeological research. Archaeologists seek to understand the past, examining material remains to explain how we came to live as we do in the present. Topics will include: - The history of archaeology – how did archaeology emerge as a discipline? - What is the purpose of archaeology? - What is the framework for studying these themes? Learning objectives: - To familiarise participants with with the history of archaeology. - To learn about the key benefits of archaeology to understanding the past. - To develop the first step of the overarching framework. Unit 2 - Key Methods and Techniques (1) The next two units explore the key methods and techniques for retrieving information, identifying objects, determining how old they are and the basics of interpretation. This unit is about the key questions in archaeology – how do we know what we know? We will explore the basics of how to find information (hint: it’s not just by digging), how to look at things, what survives and how things survive (or not). Learning objectives: - To familiarise participants with key field techniques. - To continue building solid interpretive framework. Unit 3 - Key methods and techniques (2) How do we date things? What does time mean? Scientific dating, which gives us a chronological age, is fairly new in the history of archaeology. Prior to this, people used various methods to figure out what is older and more recent. In doing so, people had to face the question of what time means, and in the process questioned the antiquity of humankind. Learning objectives: - To develop an understanding of dating. - To continue building solid interpretive framework. Unit 4 - Interpreting the Past (1) The next two units include a mix of lectures and activities designed to help you interpret the past. The first unit will provide a clear outline of how people have interpreted the past. We will explore how ideas developed, their impact and their pros and cons. In this unit participants will be challenged to interpret a number of objects. Feedback will help to develop techniques for thinking about things, evaluating information and identifying what makes for a good argument. Learning objectives: - To learn about the key interpretive methods. - To develop experience in constructing your own arguments. Unit 5 - Interpreting the Past (2) This Unit examines two main themes: (a) the nature of historical archaeology. Is written evidence different from archaeological evidence? Are texts superior to material culture? How do we interpret things in historical archaeology? Do historians need archaeologists? And (b) how do we evaluate information? What makes an interpretation valid? We may roll our eyes at claims of ancient aliens and the like, but there is a darker side to these matters. Learning objectives: - To understand the basics of historical archaeology and evaluating information. - To engage with the different types of information offered by historical archaeology. - To have strengthened interpretive skills.