This module presents an introduction to the principles of interpreting archaeological evidence. Its aims are to teach students to criticize and evaluate published interpretations of archaeological data; to give students practical hands-on experience in interpreting archaeological evidence; and to teach students how to apply the fundamentals of data interpretation to new problems and to their own research (e.g. BA/BSc dissertations).

This is a Core Module for those enrolled for the BA and BSc in Archaeology, and Graduate Diploma in Archaeology

Module Overview

The module equips you to (1) analyse and evaluate primary evidence; (2) avoid naïve or misguided readings of the record; (3) discern good interpretations from simplistic or untenable interpretations; and (4) develop archaeological sophistication.

It helps you address questions such as: How do we reason from evidence to interpretation? How can we assess the reliability of an interpretation? What methods of analysis are common to most archaeological problems? How can we reconstruct a dynamic living system (systemic context) from static archaeological remains (archaeological context)? What biases affect the evidence? How can we decode site formation processes from stratigraphy? How do sedimentary processes preserve or distort the evidence? How do excavation strategies and sampling affect evidence and interpretation? How does dating affect interpretation? How should we interpret site distribution maps, site plans and stratigraphic sections in a sophisticated way? How are artefact assemblages analysed? How do “life histories” of artefacts affect assemblages?

Aims

(1) To teach analytical methods (common to all regions, periods & specializations) that underpin interpretations of archaeological data (eg problem orientation, logical reasoning, appropriateness of methods & data, assemblage formation, variation, temporal resolution, units of observation, scales of analysis, classification, sampling). (2) To teach students to criticize & evaluate underlying assumptions, analytical methods & quality of evidence in archaeological writings. (3) To give students practical experience in data analysis & interpretation (eg observation; recording; variables & attributes; classification).

Objectives

On successful completion of this module a student should be able:

(1) To apply basic methods of analysis that underpin interpretations of archaeological data. (2) To criticize & evaluate underlying assumptions, analytical methods & quality of evidence in archaeological writings. (3) To carry out practical procedures in data analysis & interpretation. (4) To apply the foregoing to new research problems.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to demonstrate

(1) An ability to apply methods of analysis that underpin interpretations of archaeological evidence. (2) An ability to criticize & evaluate underlying assumptions, analytical methods & quality of evidence in archaeological writings. (3) Mastery of basic practical procedures in interpreting archaeological materials and sites. (4) An ability to apply the foregoing to new research problems (eg BA dissertations).