98912 - Critical Approaches to Archaeological Theory (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

Through an approach that combines lectures and seminar discussion, the course offers an overview of the most important themes of the approaches to current archaeological research. It is organized in two parts: a first one that deals with the evolution of archaeological thought in relation to changes in society, culture and geopolitical dynamics on a global scale. The second instead proposes a selection of general theoretical issues addressed in the archaeological disciplines in recent years, identifying some potential future directions of development. international theoretical debates in archeology.

Course contents

Course content includes (but is not limited to) the following topics: Archeology Nationalism and colonialism

Archeologies of the twentieth century

Between science and humanism

(Dis)ordering the past to imagine the future

Critical and multivocal approaches

Networks and interaction

"New Materialism"

Identity and mobility

Archeology, Capitalism and Patrimonialization

Readings/Bibliography

The detailed program is on the syllabus, accessible on the Virtual platform. The texts cited here are to be considered indicative for non-attending students.

 

Gardner, A., M. Lake & U. Sommer, (eds.) 2013. The Oxford Handbook of Archaeological Theory. : Oxford University Press.

Moshenska, G. (ed.), 2017. Key Concepts in Public Archaeology. : UCL Press.

Trigger, B.G., 2006. A History of Archaeological Thought. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Teaching methods

The course is organized in 15 sessions of 2 hours each. In addition to the lectures, ample space is dedicated to the discussion of the topics covered (seminar). Participation in these sessions is strongly encouraged as it represents an integral part of the didactic and evaluation process.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment procedures include an oral exam, a short presentation of a group work agreed with the teacher during the course and, in the case of non-attending students, the creation of a written paper on a topic to be agreed in agreement with the teacher. teacher (contacting him at least 2 weeks in advance). The paper must be delivered at least 1 week before the scheduled exam date.

Teaching tools

An essential part of the exam material will also be the presentations of the lessons that can be downloaded from the links made available on the "Virtual" platform.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Iacono