ANTHR 6267 - Contemporary Archaeological Theory

(crosslisted) ARKEO 6267

Fall. 4 credits. Student option grading.

N. Russell.

This course surveys recent developments and current debates in archaeological theory. This includes the processual/postprocessual debate and contrasts between scientific and humanistic approaches more generally, as well as other approaches (Marxist, feminist, etc.) We will examine epistemological issues (how do we know about the past?), and will explore how different theoretical approaches have shaped research on key archaeological topics. We will also discuss ethical concerns and engagement with groups outside archaeology with interests in the past.