Module ARCH3531: ART, ANTHROPOLOGY & ARCHAEOLOGY (AR)

Department: Archaeology

ARCH3531: ART, ANTHROPOLOGY & ARCHAEOLOGY (AR)

Prerequisites

• Archaeological Method and Theory (ARCH2121) OR Prehistoric Europe: From Foragers to State Formation (ARCH2081).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Hunters and Gatherers, Past and Present (AR).

Aims

• To provide students with an advanced understanding of the archaeological and anthropological study of art, with particular reference to issues and methods that are common to both disciplines.

Content

• Lectures will cover topics relevant for providing students with an understanding of theories currently available for the study of art in both anthropology and archaeology.
• Topics to be covered will include the relationship between religion and art.
• interpreting rock art.
• art in the landscape.
• style.
• the social and political context of interpretation.
• Seminars will cover topics relevant to the content of the course.
• For example: "Anthropological approaches to Art".
• "Rituals, religion and rationality".
• "Style".
• and "Landscape".

Learning Outcomes

• Factual material: Engagement with the comparative study of art in past and present societies.
• Understanding of the general principles governing the production of art.
• Familiarity with a range of current theories in archaeology and anthropology and their application in the study of art.
• Understanding of how archaeological and anthropological theory and method can be integrated to gain a fuller appreciation of the role of art in culture and social life.

• Ability to synthesise archaeological and anthropological approaches and insights.
• Advanced knowledge of current debates in both disciplines.
• Evaluation and use of competing theories to elucidate previously unfamiliar data.

• Preparation and distribution of written summaries of key points in set topics.
• Oral presentation: summarising and exemplifying ideas and arguments.
• Responding to questions.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures and seminars

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Two seminar presentations, including a one-page written handout for distribution in class, scheduled at appropriate times.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University