Course Description
The development and use of theory in archaeology. The roots of theory in archaeology and how it impacts archaeological methods, an understanding of some of the major theoretical paradigms currently influencing archaeological research, and how to translate abstract ideas into research questions.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students must complete all regular readings and
assignments. In addition, they will be required to complete
additional readings on theoretical concepts and case studies
which apply diverse theories, lead at least two class
discussions, complete an additional reflexive paper in which
they explore their own theoretical orientation in relation to
their dissertation research, or create a research paper that
conforms to American Antiquity, the primary professional
journal for American archaeology.
The professor will meet with graduate students as required in
order to develop that paper and comment on drafts.
Athena Title
Archaeological Theory
Prerequisite
ANTH 1102 or ANTH 2120H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Theory is the heart of archaeological discourse and research. Whether we use theory implicitly or explicitly, it is always present, guiding the way we think about the past. The social theory used by archaeologists crosscut many different disciplines. The challenge for archaeologists is to translate these abstract ideas into research questions that can be addressed through the study of material culture. The purpose of this course is to provide you with an understanding of the development and use of theory in archaeology. Specifically, you will gain an understanding of the roots of theory in archaeology and how it impacts archaeological methods (e.g., excavation, survey, analysis of artifacts, etc.). The second goal of this course is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of some of the major theoretical paradigms currently influencing archaeological research. Such an understanding will help you to formulate your own ideas regarding social theory in archaeology as well as identify novel research programs.
Topical Outline
1. Culture History and Typology 2. Processualism 3. Middle Range Theory 4. Ethnographic Analogy 5. Darwinian/Evolutionary Archaeology 6. Behavioral Ecology/Optimal Foraging 7. Social Evolution 8. Post-Processualism 9. The Nature of Archaeological Theory 10. Cognitive and Symbolic Approaches 11. Marxism 12. Agency 13. Eventful Archaeology 14. Gender 15. Time 16. History and Archaeology 17. Landscape Archaeology 18. Persistent Places 19. Resilience Theory 20. Historical Ecology 21. Ethics
Syllabus