Archaeology and Anthropology

Anthropology provides archaeologists with the frameworks to understand living societies, their artefacts and built environments.

The two disciplines complement each other well, bridging the study of past and present humanity.

You will develop an understanding of archaeological and anthropological theory, method and interpretation while learning the critical skills needed to explore the regional and global diversity of the material record and social and cultural life, using comparative, cross-cultural and cross-temporal methods.

In Anthropology, you will be particularly encouraged to use your knowledge of cultural diversity to challenge established assumptions embedded within the cultural systems, as well as within 'western' knowledge, practices and theoretical paradigms.

In Archaeology, you will develop a critical understanding of the place and importance of archaeology and material heritage in contemporary society, including the issues and controversies that they provoke.

Most importantly, this course trains you to think both anthropologically and archaeologically.