Introduction to Archaeology

Weekly sessions (Wednesdays 6.00pm - 7.30pm)

◾6th November: What is archaeology?

Do we dig dinosaurs? No, archaeology starts with the story of human life, from the very earliest examples to Homo sapiens sapiens (modern humans). But the development of archaeology involves fairies, elves, Babylonian kings, antiquarians, scientists and much more in between. This session sets the background to archaeology, how it developed and what it can tell us.

◾13th November: What is it? How did it get there? How do we find it?

This session is about the key questions in archaeology – how do we know what we know? We will explore the basics of how to find information (hint: it’s not just by digging), how to look at things, what survives and how things survive (or not).

◾20th November: How old was it?

How do we date things? What does time mean? Scientific dating, which gives us a chronological age, is fairly new in the history of archaeology. Prior to this, people used various methods to figure out what is older and more recent. In doing so, people had to face the question of what time means, and in the process questioned the antiquity of humankind.

◾27th November: Is there only one type of archaeology?

Archaeology is exciting because it involves so many different things. Ultimately, we are trying to understand people and people are complex creatures. This session introduces different types of archaeology, including how to study societies who have no writing and how to deal with societies who do have writing. We will also look at the important role of public archaeology.

◾4th December: Practical session: A taste of the archaeologist's life

This session will provide an opportunity to handle archaeological material. Other activities include: using ‘rubbish’ to create a story and having a go at making pots.

Online support

This course will be supported by our virtual learning environment (VLE). You will be able to download course materials, contact your tutor and talk to fellow students via the web at a time and place that’s convenient to you. To gain access to the VLE you will need to provide a valid email address when registering for the course.

Entry requirements

No academic qualification is required, and most courses are suitable for students who are new to the subject.

All teaching is in English (unless a foreign-language course). If your first language is not English, you need to satisfy yourself that you have the required near-native command of the language to get the maximum benefit from studying with ICE.

This course takes place at the Faculty of Divinity on the Sidgwick Site.

Getting here

The Sidgwick site can be accessed using the Madingley Hall shuttle bus from the Station to West Road, or by other public transport. Please contact the reception desk at ICE for more details.