This course will offer an introduction to the relatively new area of theory and practice within archaeology, Contemporary Archaeology. This is defined as a series of approaches that consider how archaeological methods and ways of thinking might help us to better understand the world around us today and in the recent past, and what the discipline's contribution could be to society in the future. The course will cover theory, practice, practitioners and projects that deal with archaeologies of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

6 x 1-hour lectures; 6 x 90-minute seminars; 2-hour guided walk; 6-hour fieldtrip

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Exam (90 minutes) - 50%

Essay (2000 words) - 30%

Scrapbook (1250 words) Collated notes, images, found items, sketches based on the fieldtrip and walking tour- 20%

This course aims to:

■ Introduce students to the concept of Contemporary Archaeology through consideration of key themes, projects, practitioners and theoretical approaches;

■ Situate Contemporary Archaeology within its theoretical and practice-based context;

■ Critically discuss the practice of Contemporary Archaeology with a focus on ethical considerations and social relevance;

■ Consider the contribution of contemporary archaeology to our understanding of historical events and conflict;

■ Challenge the students to consider contemporary and future applications of archaeology methods and theory

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Summarise and evaluate the development, key theories and different practices associated with Contemporary Archaeology;

■ Evaluate the ethics and efficacy of archaeologies of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries both within, and beyond, archaeology;

■ Appraise the potential and claimed social benefits of Contemporary Archaeology;

■ Employ creativity to engage with contemporary experiences of historic and prehistoric sites and monuments.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.