Archaeological Theory

Undergraduate / Graduate

Since the formalization of the discipline of archaeology in the 19th century, how we make sense of the past through its material traces has undergone a number of profound transformations. This class introduces students to the diverse array of theoretical approaches archaeologists have deployed in their interpretations of ancient cultures. In the process, students will gain an appreciation for the field's close relationship to developments in neighboring fields in the humanities and social sciences. The ultimate goal is for students to realize the incredibly wide range of interpretive modes archaeologists have operated under, both historically over the past century and a half as well as in current practice."