Overview
Practical introduction to the methods of acquiring and interpreting archaeological data, and consideration of its relevance to the modern world.
A theoretical and practical introduction to the methods of acquiring and interpreting archaeological data as a basis for anthropological interpretation. It involves lectures, guided reading and practical laboratory work. Topics covered include the relationships between method, theory and ethics in archaeology; finding, recording and mapping archaeological sites; site formation processes; dating techniques; artefact analysis; faunal analysis; environmental context and impacts; and the contribution of scientific methods and social theory to the generation of archaeological knowledge.
About this paper
| Paper title | Archaeological Methods |
|---|---|
| Subject | Anthropology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,318.20 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One of ARCH 101, ANTH 103, ANTH 104, ANTH 106, or 54 points
- Restriction
- ARCH 201
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
- Suitable for students who have studied 100-level Archaeology and wish to further develop their understanding of the discipline.
- Contact
- charles.radclyffe@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
Please visit the Archaeology Website
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator: Dr Charles Radclyffe
Contributing Lecturer: Dr Natasha Philips
- Paper Structure
- Lectures and tutorials
- Teaching Arrangements
- The paper is taught through a mixture of lecture and laboratory classes. The laboratories are internally assessed and regular attendance is a terms requirement.
- Textbooks
Renfrew, C. & Bahn, P. 2020. Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practice. (Eighth edition). London: Thames and Hudson.
Kelly, R.L. & Thomas, D.H. 2017. Archaeology. (Seventh edition). Cengage Learning.- Course outline
- The course outline will be available at the first lecture and on Blackboard.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Environmental literacy, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the theoretical foundation and methodological approaches of archaeology
- Develop laboratory and field skills in locating and mapping archaeological sites, recording and interpreting site formation processes, analysing stone tools and food (faunal) remains.
- Develop an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of archaeology as a social science, drawing from environmental and human geography, social anthropology, forensics, museology, indigenous knowledge holders and many more areas.
Overview
Practical introduction to the methods of acquiring and interpreting archaeological data, and consideration of its relevance to the modern world.
Archaeology is a social science that offers a unique, interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behaviour in the past. This course provides a practical and theoretical introduction to the core methods archaeologists use to investigate, interpret and model past peoples and societies. Students will explore the relationships between method, theory and ethics, as well as gain experience in finding, recording and mapping archaeological sites that involve spatial data and software such as LiDAR and Geographic Information Systems.
Key topics include site formation processes, dating methods, artefact analysis and classification, faunal analysis, maritime archaeology and modern world archaeology, environmental change and its impacts, and the role of scientific approaches and social theory in generating archaeological knowledge. Teaching combines lectures, guided reading and interactive laboratory sessions. The labs are designed to build confidence and competence in essential skills, including mapping exercises, artefact classification and description, and drawing and interpreting stratigraphy. Together, these activities demonstrate not only how archaeology is done, but what makes the discipline unique and how archaeologists develop their ways of thinking.
About this paper
| Paper title | Archaeological Methods |
|---|---|
| Subject | Anthropology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One of ARCH 101, ANTH 103, ANTH 104, ANTH 106, or 54 points
- Restriction
- ARCH 201
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
Suitable for undergraduate students who have studied 100-level archaeology and wish to further develop their understanding of the discipline, as well as anyone interested in building an introductory understanding of this field of social science.
- Contact
- Dr Charles Radclyffe
- More information link
Please visit the Archaeology Website.
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator: Dr Charles Radclyffe
Contributing Lecturer: Dr Natasha Philips
- Paper Structure
Lectures and practical laboratories.
- Teaching Arrangements
The paper is taught through a mixture of lecture and laboratory classes. The laboratories are internally assessed and regular attendance is a terms requirement.
- Textbooks
Colin Renfrew, Paul Bahn and Elizabeth DeMarrais. (2024). Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practice (9th ed.). London: Thames and Hudson.
Robert Kelly and David Hurst Thomas. (2017). Archaeology (7th ed.). Boston: Cengage Learning.
- Course outline
The course outline will be made available on Aoroa (Brightspace) by the start of the course.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Environmental literacy, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the theoretical foundation and methodological approaches of archaeology.
- Develop fundamental laboratory and field skills in locating and mapping archaeological sites, recording and interpreting site formation processes and analysing stone tools and food (faunal) remains.
- Develop a deeper sense of appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of archaeology as a social science, drawing from environmental and human geography, social anthropology, forensics, museology, indigenous knowledge holders and many more areas.