Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

Introduction
Over the last thirty years or so the archaeology of the body has developed into a complex field of study, combining new theoretical developments and research questions with new methods of analysis. In this module we will examine the changing and varied ways that bodies were constituted and deconstituted, presented and represented, through key activities in the past, and consider the differing ways that archaeologists interpret past bodies. We will explore how past bodies were shaped during daily routines, and transformed through major events in the course of life and death, such as rites of passage. We will compare the significance of different ways of presenting and representing the body, and the role of media such as figurines, statuary, clothing and dress items, tools, pottery and architecture in piecing together a more detailed understanding of past concepts of and experiences of the human body. We will explore the significance of bodily differences in the lives and deaths of people of different ages and sexes, and we will set the treatment of human bodies alongside the bodies of objects, buildings and animals to explore relationships between bodies and personhood. We will focus on communities living in Europe, Anatolia and the Levant between the Mesolithic and the twentieth century.

Aims
1. To provide a thematic and theoretical framework for investigating past bodies
2. To provide an advanced knowledge and understanding of bodies and embodied experience from the Mesolithic to the twentieth century
3. To develop the ability to conduct independent learning and research into the archaeology of the human body

Outline Of Syllabus

The exact regions and periods covered in the middle section of the module will vary from year to year, but the core structure and illustrative content will be as follows:

Introduction: What is the body? What constitutes evidence for past bodies? What methods do we use to analyse these?
Research themes and theoretical approaches to past bodies

Case studies:
Bodies in Mesolithic Europe
Neolithic bodies in Anatolia and the Levant
Neolithic bodies in South-east and Central Europe
Oetzi 'the Iceman' in context: real and represented Chalcolithic bodies in southern Europe
Bodies in the Aegean Bronze Age
The Body in Pieces: Classical Greek, Italic and Etruscan Bodies
Bodies in Roman Britain
Bodies in Byzantium
Post-medieval bodies

Comparative reflection: patterns and diversities
Student presentations and feedback

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. Ability to apply key interpretive approaches from archaeology, anthropology and sociology to later prehistoric bodies
2. Advanced knowledge of the material composition of human bodily remains and the scientific methods used to analyse them
3. Advanced knowledge of bodies from a range of past communities, including their mortuary treatment, how they were shaped by activities during life, and how they were represented
3. Critical awareness of the interpretation of bodies in archaeological texts

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. Detailed and critical appreciation of the approaches, sources and methods used by archaeologists in interpreting past bodies
2. Advanced ability to evaluate competing interpretations of past bodies
3. Advanced oral communication skills practiced through delivery of prepared discussion in class, including a formal presentation on their essay topic
4. Advanced written communication skills through preparation of an assignment
5. Ability to research an aspect of bodies in the archaeology of one or more regions of Europe, Anatolia or the Levant during one or more periods of the past

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

General themes, archaeological evidence and interpretation are introduced by lecture during the first 15 minutes of each 2-hour session, possibly with a second 15-minute lecture at the start of the second hour. Students are asked to complete one or two readings each in advance of each session. C. 1.5 hours of each session will consist of detailed discussion of the set readings. The final session will revolve around student presentations on their chosen assessment topic which will help develop oral communication skills, provide immediate feedback on progress, and develop the specific knowledge of source material required. Two one-to-one meetings between student and supervisor (one before and one after the presentation) will help the student prepare for the assessment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written assignment evaluates the student’s knowledge and critical understanding of the module subject, writing skills, and ability to undertake independent research on the topic. Formative student presentations on their chosen assessment topic will provide immediate feedback on progress, and develop the specific knowledge of source material required. Two one-to-one meetings between student and supervisor (one before and one after the presentation) will help the student prepare for the assessment and assist in the development of research skills.

As the content of the presentation feeds directly into the essay it makes sense not to reduce the word length.

Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.

General Notes

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