Landscape archaeologies past and present

Convenor: Dr K. Brophy

Outline

The study of landscape has become an important part of archaeological discourse since the term ‘landscape archaeology’ was coined in the 1970s. This module will examine the changing nature of the concept of ‘landscape’ in archaeology, assessing the impact of human geography, anthropology and other social sciences on landscape archaeology. The module will also consider the impact of landscape on people in the past, and relationships people form with the natural / cultural world that surrounds them. The module will consider two aspects of landscape archaeology: prehistoric landscapes in NW Europe, and post-industrial revolution landscapes in the British Isles. Themes covered, however, will be relevant to both: contested landscapes; archaeological landscapes; the ‘natural’ world; space; place; movement; biography; and the protection of landscapes.

Aims

The module will convey an understanding of the importance of considering the wider context of archaeological sites. Students will be encouraged to critically analyse terms that are taken for granted – landscape, nature, culture, site, space, place. Issues related to the archaeologies of landscape in various periods and places will be discussed, emphasising the diversity of applications within landscape archaeology. Alternative perspectives and subjective approaches to landscape will be emphasised.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course the student should:

• understand the development of landscape archaeology (assessed by exam);
• have an understanding of the multiple meanings of the term ‘landscape’ (assessed by field trip report, essay and seminar presentation);
• be able to address archaeological problems within a landscape-based approach (assessed by the essay);
• understand the potential meaning and power of landscape, space and place today, and how this is relevant to the study of the past (assessed by field trip report);
  
• be aware of the problems of management and conservation of historic and prehistoric landscapes (assessed by exam).

Structure

The module will consist of a combination of lectures (13) and small group sessions / seminars (7) taught over a ten week period. A half-day field trip (on a Saturday morning) to Balfarg, Fife, is also a compulsory part of the course: a report based on this trip forms part of this assessment (see below).

Assessment

An examination (2 questions from 6, worth 50% of course mark); an essay of about 2500 words length (25%); a seminar presentation (10%); and a short informal report (c. 1000 words) based on the field trip (15%).

Basic reading

Ashmore, W. & Knapp, A.B. (eds). 1999. Archaeologies of landscape: contemporary perspectives. Oxford: Blackwell.
Bender, B.  (ed). 1993. Landscape: politics and perspectives. Oxford: Berg.
Bradley, R. 2000. An archaeology of natural places. London: Routledge.
Hirsch, E. & O’Hanlon, M.  (ed) 1995. The anthropology of landscape. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Tilley, C. 1994. A phenomenology of landscape. Oxford: Berg.