3 credits
Spring 2026 Lecture Upper Division
Focuses on the development of archaeological theory, discussing several theoretical positions and genres of archaeological research. Students gain experience in working with theory in their own research and achieve literacy in archaeological theories.
Learning Outcomes1Meet the Graduate School learning objectives of knowledge, communication, critical thinking, and ethical research through the goals listed here.
2Learn about the historical development of the archaeological method and theory from 1980s to the present.
3Understand when and how various theoretical positions and logics of interpretation have emerged.
4Review several genres of archaeology writing to understand archaeology and its representation of the human past.
5Analyze a series of case studies that illustrate dominant positions and fissures in archaeological thought and practices.
6Gain an understanding of how theory works and how to work with different theories in their own research.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.