Master
2024/2025
History of Archaeological Methods, Theories and Legal Framework
Type:
Compulsory course (Classical and Oriental Archaeology)
Area of studies:
History
Delivered by:
Centre of Classical and Oriental Archaeology
Where:
Faculty of Humanities
When:
1 year, 2, 3 module
Mode of studies:
distance learning
Online hours:
20
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Irina Arzhantseva
Master’s programme:
Античная и восточная археология
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The objective of this course is to provide an overview of archaeological methods, theories and regulations. We will focus on the evolution of archaeological methods which were employed throughout the history of study of classical antiquity and ancient Oriental civilizations. We will also look at the main archaeological theories, their origin and their status in present-day science. For a future specialist in Classical and/or Oriental archaeology it is essential to be aware of different laws, regulations and rules that could be applied to the process of archaeological excavations, working with museum collections, etc. (within this course the primary focus will be on the situation in the Russian Federation, Europe and Central Asia). The discipline is taught in modules 1-4 of the first year of study.
Learning Objectives
- Students owns a clear scholarly apparatus, finds their way in the scholarly literature and thus are able to find, evaluate and use information from archaeological evidence.
- After the development of basic knowledge of archaeology students are able to formulate aims and objectives of their own research, and to identify the evidence required for this and evaluate its representativeness.
- Students master their ability of scholarly communication in the field of archaeological research, e.g., they can formulate questions in order to get a meaningful answer; find weaknesses in the scholarly position of an opponent; answer the questions posed; logically argue his or her own scholarly position.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Best practice approaches for sustainable restoration of archaeological heritage will be discussed, namely 1) approach each site/region on a case-by-case basis, 2) define the heritage values: natural, historical, architectural, traditional, etc., i.e. what are we actually trying to preserve and why - then act accordingly, 3) sensitively combine modern technologies with ancient ways of life in agriculture, energy and architecture, 4) people-centred approach: people first – architecture second.
- History of heritage conservation strategies will be discussed - French Historicism, British Idealism and Italian Pragmatism.
- Students analyse contemporary methods and fields of archaeological research.
- Students discuss how social context may influence methods of archaeological studies and theories in Classical Studies in general.
- Two main concepts - concept of time and concept of cultural progress - were discussed in terms of the beginnings of archaeology.
Course Contents
- History of archaeological theory
- Archaeology and society
- Contemporary archaeological methodology
Interim Assessment
- 2024/2025 3rd module0.8 * групповой проект + 0.1 * работа на семинарах + 0.1 * работа на семинарах
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Díaz-Andreu, M., & Champion, T. (2015). Nationalism and Archaeology in Europe. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=880883
- Härke, H. (1998). Archaeologists and Migrations. Current Anthropology, 39(1), 19–45. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=sih&AN=161595
- Shnirel’man, V. A. (2013). Archeology and Society-A Complicated Relationship. Anthropology & Archeology of Eurasia, 52(2), 5–12. https://doi.org/10.2753/AAE1061-1959520201
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Brandherm, D. (2014). Heinrich Härke (ed.): Archaeology, Ideology and Society: The German Experience. Gesellschaften und Staaten im Epochenwandel 7, 2002. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.658CE605
- Bruce G. Trigger. (2001). Archaeology, Ideology and Society: The German Experience, edited by Heinrich Harke. Peter Lang, Frankfurt am Main, 2000. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.F11D7365
- Cerezo-Román, J., Wessman, A., & Williams, H. (2017). Cremation and the Archaeology of Death. Oxford: OUP Oxford. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1500519
- Trigger, B. G. (2001). Archaeology, Ideology and Society: The German Experience, edited by Heinrich Harke. Peter Lang, Frankfurt am Main, 2000. https://doi.org/10.5334/bha.11204
- Тихонов, И. (2008). «Это необходимо сделать, чтобы не прослыть за варваров»: российские монархи и археология. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.762BA565
- Энговатова, А. (2013). Сохранение археологического наследия в России: современное состояние. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.A8510E97