ARCH41170

ARCH41170 is a core module for the MSc in Hunter-Gatherer Archaeology, the MSc in Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture, and the MSc in Archaeology. This reflects the fact that material culture is a vital tool for the archaeologist, with objects a major category of archaeological evidence and much, much older than the written record. In the modern world we are increasingly surrounded by objects, but our relationships to these things are mostly classed as that of consumers rather than producers. The aim of ARCH41170 is thus to help you look differently and more critically at objects from the past (and the present), to appreciate the huge importance material culture holds for understanding human society, and how archaeologists are striving to analyse and understand it.

This module will provide students with an introduction to the identification, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological material culture (i.e. objects produced and used by past peoples). While standard approaches to object analysis and interpretation have tended to emphasise their finished forms (typologies or aesthetic characteristics), this module will add to this by examining the evidence for production and use. By incorporating these elements, a more holistic understanding of material culture can be gained, allowing us to better research and understand these objects.

The overall objective in this module will be for you to learn how researchers have sought to describe, analyse, and think about some of the more common archaeological artefact types. You will be introduced to specific terminologies and some of the more common analytical techniques used by specialists and researchers.