This course aims to provide an introduction to current theoretical and methodological perspectives in material culture studies using a series of archaeological and modern material culture case studies.

In particular:
To introduce students to the concepts, theories and intellectual debates in modern material culture studies
To familiarise students with the historical context and development of archaeological approaches to artefacts
To encourage the use and application of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the role of artefacts in the past
To examine the cultural importance of objects in artefact collections for contemporary society
To develop skills in critical thinking and the communication, both written and oral, of theoretical concepts

an average of 2 hrs x 10 weeks.

Seminar presentation and two essays

This course aims to provide an introduction to current theoretical and methodological perspectives in material culture studies using a series of archaeological and modern material culture case studies.

In particular:
To introduce students to the concepts, theories and intellectual debates in modern material culture studies
To familiarise students with the historical context and development of archaeological approaches to artefacts
To encourage the use and application of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the role of artefacts in the past
To examine the cultural importance of objects in artefact collections for contemporary society
To develop skills in critical thinking and the communication, both written and oral, of theoretical concepts

Students will have acquired:

The capacity to situate developments in approaches within archaeological thought and their context in broader academic and intellectual trends with respect to material culture
An understanding of the interplay of archaeological approaches to artefacts and current interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives on material culture
An awareness of the issues of researching antiquarian and museum collections and the related curatorial issues regarding display and public dissemination
A critical understanding of the salient themes in modern material culture studies and their contemporary relevance
The oral, organisational and interpersonal skills to sustain and defend arguments in written work and oral presentation