https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/L_AABAARC205In this course you will:Gain an understanding of the key historical developments in archaeological theoryDevelop a critical understanding of issues and debates in contemporary archaeological theoryDevelop the skills and knowledge to assess the value and relevance of theoretical frameworks used in archaeological practiceDiscuss and reflect upon theoretical frameworks and historical developments within peer-led groupsDevelop the ability to apply archaeological theory to one's own archaeological researchThe aim of this course is to provide an intensive undergraduate level introduction to archaeological theory and interpretation. The course will review the historical development of archaeological theory and will explore and evaluate the major interpretative frameworks used by different schools of thought. In addition to attending lectures students will be asked to read and reflect upon theoretically-driven case studies in weekly seminars. It is expressly intended that the student will not only learn a range of theoretical approaches but will also learn how to select and apply archaeological theory to study archaeological materials and human behaviour. Content will include the following:Archaeology and culture historyMigrations and diffusionProcessual ArchaeologyPost processual archaeologyPractice theory, habitus & agencyBiographical approaches to materials and landscapesColonialism and post-colonial archaeologiesSeminars and lectures, 2 x 2 hours per weekClass Participation (completed/ non-completed);Oral Presentations (completed/non-completed); Essay Exam (graded).This will be a formal closed book-examination about course material and literature. This course is part of the learning path Academic Skills of the BA Archaeology programme. Its students will be specifically trained and tested in more advanced discussion skills (such as chairing, moderating, mediating). The resit regulations will be specified in the study manual.Key texts:Johnson, M. 2010. Archaeological Theory, an introduction. Oxford, Blackwell Publishing.Harris, O.J.T. and Cipolla, C.N. 2017. Archaeological Theory in the New Millennium: Introducing Current Perspective. London and New York, Routledge.(Additional) literature will be made available on Canvas. Students need to have read the specified texts for class.BA2 Archaeology studentsStudents from Saxion University of Applied Sciences who take the preparatory minor ('doorstroomminor') ArchaeologyACASA students of Classics or Ancient Studies who wish to take the course as an elective and have completed the module What is Archaeology? (BA1 Archaeology)ACASA students must register via UvA https://glass.uva.nl This course is not open for elective students. Please note:Course registration periods between VU and UvA differ.This course is scheduled at the University of Amsterdam.This course is part of a joined programme by the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and the University of Amsterdam (UvA). It is taught at a UvA location. For the course schedule see https://rooster.uva.nl/