This course looks at the intriguing history of archaeological investigations. It focuses on the way influential discoveries were made, the influence of rivalries and political/social pressures on archaeological research, and the development of archaeological practice.

Students will acquire knowledge of the history of archaeological thought and an understanding of archaeological theory and practice.

Students explore the lives and discoveries of individual archaeologists in two tutorial presentations (15%) and their written summaries (15%), while they review schools of archaeological thought in a 3,000 word essay (70%).

Normally offered in alternate years
2 hours of lectures and one hour of tutorial per week. . Students will normally spend an additional 4 hours per week in study.

One first year course to the value of 6 units in Archaeology (ARCH or PREH) or permission of the lecturer.

PREH2006 History of Archaeology: Discovering the Past.

Trigger, B. A History of Archaeological Thought, Cambridge University Press, 2006.