Course
Advanced topics in archaeological theory and methods (PHD801)
The course will introduce the students to different current theories and methods used in archaeological research, with a particular focus on the implementation of methods in archaeological research. Archaeological research is frequently interdisciplinary and consequently draws upon a wide range of methods, sometimes from other academic fields. Choice of methodological approaches is frequently bound up with topic and notably the theoretical framework, and the course addresses which methods are suitable in given theoretical frameworks. Particular focus will be given to theories and methods that deal with the material turn, the ontological turn, the science turn, and general epistemological considerations.
Dette er emnebeskrivelsen for studieåret 2018-2019. Merk at det kan komme endringer.
Semesters
Fakta
Emnekode
PHD801
Vekting (stp)
5
Semester undervisningsstart
Spring
Undervisningsspråk
English, Norwegian
Antall semestre
1
Vurderingssemester
Spring
Content
The course is designed to provide an overview over current theories and methods in archaeological research, and will give the students an advanced understanding of how theoretical frameworks and methodology are implemented in research projects.
Although the course will focus on current theory, the overall aim is to give them a practical understanding in how theory and methodology together play into a theoretical research design.
The underpinnings of the theoretical approach and methodologies will be examined to give the students knowledge of the traditions that theories and methods stem from, as well as their epistemological anchoring in either the humanities, natural science or social sciences.
The teachers will present research literature that cover the main topics and
The course covers topics such as:
- The material turn
- The ontological turn
- Actor-network theory and châine operatoire
- Personhood
- The biographical perspective
- Feminist critique
- Sensory archaeology
Learning outcome
- Have an advanced understanding of the current theories used in archaeological research
- Have an advanced understanding of implementation of appropriate methods considering theoretical approach
- Evaluate which theories and methods that are applicable on different archaeological datasets
- Be able to formulate new research questions that integrate a theoretical understanding with a methodological implementation
- Be able to formulate a theoretical platform that integrates methods and datasets in an appropriate way and to an international standard
- Understand how research is situated within a research field in archaeology and the ramification that the different fields operate within.
- Be able to identify the underpinnings and scientific traditions of theories and methods.
- Be able to create an operational theoretical framework that encompasses appropriate methodology
- Be able to engage in an academic discourse on advanced theory and methodology within archaeology, both orally and in writing.