Undergraduate Courses
ARCL1001: Archaeology Around the Globe
This course invites everyone to explore the wonders of the global human past through archaeology – the study of the material remains of our shared human heritage. We will travel (intellectually) from region to region all over the Earth, in roughly chronological order, exploring the most famous archaeological sites and objects that define key cultural periods. From the ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians, to early developments in China and other East Asian societies, to the Incas and Mayans, and many more places and cultures, we will explore and compare what life was like for humans like us in different societies across space and time. Students will learn to work with diverse evidence – landscapes, architecture, artifacts, and ecofacts – to ask concrete questions: What did people eat? How did they build their cities? How did they express power, belief, or identity? Along the way, you will scrutinize how different archaeologists can look at the same evidence and reach contrasting interpretations – while you learn to evaluate those arguments yourself. We will also explore how archaeological practice has developed through innovations in methods and theories since the 19th century CE, leading to today’s balance of scientific research with ethical responsibilities. No prior background is required to take this course – you will learn the main chronological, political, social, and artistic developments of the global human past, establishing a strong foundation for further archaeological explorations.
ARCL2020: Archaeological Fieldwork Experience
In this course, students travel to an archaeological site to gain direct hands-on experience with fieldwork. Students will learn through participating in an active excavation and/or surface survey, and will gain exposure to the technologies used to record archaeological data. This course focuses on practical experience and skills development for excavation, data processing, and collections management. The fieldwork may take place anywhere in the world, related to the current research programmes of faculty members. Currently, this includes a summer fieldwork experience in the South Caucasus country of Armenia.
Postgraduate Courses
ARCL6001: Research Methods and Theory in Archaeology
This course provides research postgraduate students with a comprehensive understanding of the latest international theories and methods in archaeology. Through engaging with scholarly articles, writing research papers, and participating in discussions, students will explore cutting-edge research in the field while also enhancing their English writing and communication skills. The course covers a wide range of topics, including archaeological interpretation, fieldwork techniques, digital technologies, and cultural heritage management. Students will engage with case studies from around the world to gain a global perspective on archaeological practices. The course emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical research projects. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct innovative and impactful archaeological research at an international level. This course would normally be taught by the supervisor.
ARCL6020: Archaeological Fieldwork, Lab Work, Data Work, and Interpretation
ARCL6021: Communicating Archaeological Research Results
Related Course
CCHU9080: Dead People’s Things: Excavating the Past with Archaeology
Things are all around us. Why is “stuff” so vital in human life and society? Our existence is mediated by the tangible world around us, through the interface of our bodies and senses. The things we interact with may hold emotional significance, or may disappear into the background, but they always impact everything we do, from the smallest pin holding up our clothes to the landscapes through which we move. Because some things created or modified by past humans have survived until today, they can open a window on these people, helping us explore how we became who we are and who we will become. The archaeologist’s goal is to excavate, examine, and analyze the stuff of the past to understand our own and others’ lived experiences. This class will work together to explore the past and its relationship to the present – while simultaneously considering the things in our own daily lives. Using a broad interdisciplinary toolset, accessible to students from all majors, we will examine the ethical implications of how we treat our old things today and reflect together on reconstructing the past for the present. Let’s get thinking about things!