This course provides an overview of current theoretical and methodological approaches in material culture studies. It explores the interdisciplinary nature of things through seminars using archaeological and contemporary case studies and museum visits. Key themes include context and the meaning and presentation of objects, approaches to collection and artefact assemblages, and craft - how making transforms materials.

1x2hr seminar per week over 10 weeks and museum visits as scheduled on MyCampus 

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 2000-word essay - 40%

■ 2000-word essay - 40%

■ 1000-word museum worksheet - 20%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essays, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the museum worksheet, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ introduce students to current theoretical and methodological perspectives in material culture studies using a series of archaeological and contemporary material culture case studies

■ introduce students to the concepts, theories and intellectual debates in modern material culture studies

■ familiarise students with the historical context and development of archaeological approaches to artefacts

■ encourage the use and application of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the role of artefacts and collections

■ examine the cultural importance of objects and their display for contemporary society

■ develop skills in critical thinking and the communication, both written and oral, of theoretical concepts

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

■ situate developments in approaches within archaeological thought and their context in broader academic and intellectual trends with respect to material culture

■ discuss the interplay of archaeological approaches to artefacts and current interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives on material culture

■ research antiquarian and museum collections and address curatorial issues of display and public dissemination

■ apply the principles of modern material culture studies in their contemporary context

■ sustain and defend arguments in written work and oral presentation