Explores the intellectual and historical foundations of archaeology. Students examine major theoretical traditions and their impact on interpreting the past. Emphasizes applying theory to research design, data interpretation, and case studies, while fostering critical thinking about the social, political, and ethical dimensions of archaeological practice.
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
Concepts in Archaeology
Prerequisite
ANTH 1102 or ANTH 1102E or ANTH 2120H
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to explain the major schools of archaeological thought and their historical development, including culture-historical, processual, post-processual approaches, and contemporary synthesis of the same.
By the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate how conceptual frameworks influence research design, data interpretation, and debates in archaeology.
By the end of the course, students will be able to apply key theoretical perspectives—such as agency, practice, identity, and materiality—to case studies and original research problems.
By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate professional communication skills in oral and written formats by synthesizing complex theoretical materials and contributing to scholarly discussions.
Topical Outline
Introduction: What is theory and why it matters in archaeology
The relationship between theory, data, and interpretation
The emergence of archaeology as a discipline
Culture-historical archaeology and typological traditions
The rise of processual archaeology (“New Archaeology”)
Systems theory, middle-range theory, and ethnoarchaeology
Postprocessual archaeology: critique, reflexivity, and interpretation
Practice theory, agency, and structure
Gender, identity, and social archaeology
Cultural evolution, adaptation, and resilience theory
Space, place, and landscape archaeology
Materiality, objects, and entanglement
Archaeology, politics, and ethics: nationalism, colonialism, and Indigenous perspectives
Contemporary trends and debates in archaeological theory
The future of archaeological thought and the role of theory in research design
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
