Archaeological Theory Syllabus

Archaeological Course

Course Title	[COURSE TITLE]
Course Code	[COURSE CODE]
Instructor Name	[YOUR NAME]
Email	[YOUR EMAIL]
Office Hours	[OFFICE HOURS]
Class Location	[CLASS LOCATION]
Class Time	[CLASS TIME]
Class Duration	[DATE] - [DATE]

1. Course Description

The Archaeological Theory course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of archaeological theories and their practical applications in the field. Throughout the course, students will explore various theoretical frameworks, including historical, processual, and post-processual archaeology. Emphasis will be placed on critical analysis, interpretation, and application of these theories to real-world archaeological contexts.

2. Instructor Information

Instructor: [YOUR NAME]

Contact: [YOUR EMAIL]

3. Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the key concepts and principles of various archaeological theories.

• Analyze archaeological data through different theoretical lenses.

• Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of different theoretical approaches.

• Apply archaeological theories to interpret archaeological evidence and form research questions.

• Communicate archaeological interpretations effectively through oral presentations and written assignments.

4. Course Schedule

Week	Topic	Activities
1	Introduction to Archaeological Theory	Lecture, Discussion
2	Historical Archaeology	Reading Discussion, Case Studies
3	Processual Archaeology	Seminar, Group Presentations
4	Post-Processual Archaeology	Guest Lecture, Critical Analysis
5	Feminist Archaeology	Debate, Research Proposal Development
6	Marxist Archaeology	Workshop, Field Trip
7	Cognitive Archaeology	Workshop, Data Analysis
8	Queer Archaeology	Seminar, Group Project
9	Indigenous Archaeologies	Panel Discussion, Research Paper
10	Public Archaeology	Presentation Preparation, Peer Review
11	Environmental Archaeology	Fieldwork Simulation, Data Interpretation
12	Archaeology and Politics	Debate, Final Project Preparation
13	Review and Exam	Review Session, Final Exam

5. Required Reading and Materials

• Trigger, Bruce G. A History of Archaeological Thought. Cambridge University Press.

• Hodder, Ian. Archaeological Theory Today. Polity Press.

• Shanks, Michael, and Christopher Tilley. Social Theory and Archaeology. Polity Press.

• Articles and supplementary readings will be provided throughout the course.

6. Assignments and Assessments

Assignment	Weight
Weekly Reading Responses	20%
Midterm Exam	25%
Research Paper	30%
Group Presentation	15%
Class Participation	10%

7. Course Policies

• Attendance: Attendance is mandatory, and students are expected to attend all classes.

• Late Assignments: Late assignments will be penalized unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism or any form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.

• Respectful Environment: All interactions within the classroom should be respectful and conducive to learning.

8. Grading Policy

Grading Factors	Weight
Assignments	40%
Participation and Presentations	30%
Final Exam	30%

9. Additional Resources

• Archaeological journals and online databases

• Academic conferences and workshops

• Guest lectures and seminars

10. Academic Integrity

It is anticipated that students will maintain nothing but the topmost standards when it comes to academic integrity. It should be noted that any display or involvement in dishonest practices such as cheating or copying work from others without giving due credit, more commonly known as plagiarism, will not be treated with leniency. These actions will invite stringent consequences that could potentially include removal or expulsion from the relevant course itself.

11. Communication Guidelines

It is strongly suggested that any correspondence with the instructor be carried out through email or during the time allotted for office hours. It is not only allowed, but also highly encouraged, that students should feel free to ask any questions that they may have or seek clarification regarding any aspect of the course materials if they feel the need to do so.

Disclaimer

This syllabus is subject to change based on the evolving needs of the course and instructor discretion. Any modifications to the syllabus will be communicated through in-class announcements and email messages. It is the responsibility of the students to stay updated with course announcements and adhere to any changes made.

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