Module description 

The module examines archaeology in its wider social and political context. The module begins with an examination of the inherently political manner in which archaeology has treated, and continues to treat, the past. This has consequences for the ways in which archaeology has been established across the world, fostering nationalism at the expense of other identities and promoting colonial and imperial ideologies. It also highlights the engagements that non-specialists can have with the past, largely separate from professional archaeology and its official means of communication, including museums. Hence different values are attached to objects, monuments and areas of land, archaeology and politics, tourism and the means by which archaeologists can attempt to communicate archaeology. This latter element of public engagement is one of the major focuses of the second part of the module, helping students to think about the strategies they could develop in their own work. How best can we present and manage the past? Overriding all of this discussion is the notion that this is no longer a nicety archaeologists can indulge in, but a necessity archaeologists must embrace. The role of archaeology in the development of concepts of 'Heritage' will be considered on a worldwide basis and issues raised at a theoretical and practical level discussed. These will include differing values attached to objects, monuments and areas of land, archaeology and the law, archaeology and the media, tourism and the place of archaeology in the planning process.

Module Aims 

This module provides an introduction to the way in which archaeology relates to the wider world and has a relevance to everyday life. In this introductory module we draw attention to the wide array of interrelated issues in the public domain, their relevance to archaeologists, and the importance of understanding the significance of archaeology in what may appear to be unrelated situations. The use and abuse of archaeology and archaeological information occurs on a daily basis and is frequently involved in political issues – often in connection with both ethnic and nationalist debates. The emphasis in the module is very much on encouraging students to engage with, experience and critique the encounters that they have. Furthermore, students are actively encouraged to think about the strategies they might adopt as they develop their own work. Above all, it is emphasized that Public Archaeology is not a luxury but a necessity which we must embrace to be successful. Students are encouraged to visit sites and museums, look at the broadsheet press and television – you may well see numerous cases of Public Archaeology which may serve as examples for your written assignments.

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of the module a student should:

• possess an effective insight into how archaeology exists in the wider world.

• understand the broader implications of archaeology.

• recognize how the discipline can be used and abused.

• be familiar with the manner in which archaeology is represented in the media.

• understand the challenges faced by archaeologists and by museums.

• recognize a number of potential strategies that can be used in public engagement.

 

Through taking this module students will develop their critical skills and their ability to recognize alternative ways of viewing and presenting the past. This will expand their powers of observation and critical reflection. Students will also be exposed to a wide range of management issues that face heritage sites. This will be an important source of applicable knowledge for their future work. Above all this module will ensure that students are armed with a sense of the importance of considering public issues relating to archaeology

Please note that a compulsory fieldtrip is normally held in the second Reading Week.

 