Postgraduate Course: Theoretical Archaeology (PGHC11329)
Course Outline
| School |
School of History, Classics and Archaeology |
College |
College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Not available to visiting students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits |
20 |
| Home subject area |
Postgraduate (School of History and Classics) |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None
|
Taught in Gaelic? |
No |
| Course description |
The course explores, at an advanced level, the diverse and changing nature of archaeology, from its beginnings in the 19th century to the present day. It covers the emergence of archaeology as an independent discipline, the progress of archaeological ideas and the intellectual relationship of archaeology with cognate disciplines in natural and social sciences, and humanities. The course aims to strengthen the engagement with the discipline, to enhance the theoretical sophistication of students, and to facilitate an understanding of theories and methodologies developed since the 19th century. The course also aims to develop further skills of analysis and critical appreciation of archaeological problems. To that end it presents archaeological ideas against the background of cognate disciplines,
covering broad definitions as well as &«important&ª and &«influential&ª archaeological theories and their exponents. |
Entry Requirements
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites |
|
| Prohibited Combinations |
|
Other requirements |
None
|
| Additional Costs |
None |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 1, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
|
WebCT enabled: No |
Quota: None |
| Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| Central | Lecture | Old High School (Lecture Theatre or F1) | 1-11 | | | | | 09:00 - 10:50 |
| First Class |
First class information not currently available |
| No Exam Information |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
- an understanding of the philosophical and theoretical viewpoints that underpin interpretative practices in contemporary archaeology; and of the relationship between the development of archaelogy and other disciplines within the social and historical sciences.
- an ability to develop arguments and coherent lines of reasoning on theoretical and philosophical issues within the discipline. |
Assessment Information
| Coursework equivalent to a 4000 word essay |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
The course is taught jointly by several members of academic staff and is delivered during the 1st semester of each academic year. It is based on a mixture of formal lectures and seminars.
The lectures will provide a broad framework for the various themes of the course. They cannot, and do not, deal with issues in detail. It is essential that the subjects highlighted in each of the lectures, as well as the cognate themes, are followed up by private study and reading. The bibliography relevant to the course is very substantial and you will need to learn to discriminate between the essential and the subsidiary readings - this is an important part of the learning process. You are encouraged to start building up your own personal bibliography as you progress through your studies.
The seminars, with specified readings available on e-reserve, follow upon the lecture and are designed to explore a particular theme in greater depth. They are conducted by means of small group discussions, are an integral part of the course and attendance
is compulsory. Your contribution to them is important. If you are unable to be present due to illness, you should email the course convener, Dr M. S. Midgley (Magda.Midgley@ed.ac.uk) with your apologies and forward a medical certificate to your Director of Studies as soon as possible. |
| Keywords |
Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Magdalena Midgley
Tel: (0131 6)50 2504
Email: M.Midgley@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Mrs Lindsay Scott
Tel: (0131 6)50 9948
Email: Lindsay.Scott@ed.ac.uk |
|
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13 January 2011 6:31 am
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