Course summary

Historical Archaeology is the study of relatively recent documented periods, from the end of the Middle Ages to the 21st Century. The course examines themes such as the development of consumption and capitalism, colonialism and globalisation from British and international perspectives. It builds out from the unique experience of Britain in the 17th and 18th Centuries to consider the global impact of changing economic, political and cultural values as the modern world took shape. We examine data sources including excavated material alongside material culture from museums and collections, standing buildings, landscapes and documentary sources of all kinds, which relate to both the UK, its former colonies and the wider world. The skills you develop working with material culture, landscapes and archival sources, as well as presenting short papers and writing essays and your dissertation, will provide an unrivalled insight into the past and present and prepare you for a wide range of jobs and careers, as well as further research. The course appeals to anyone interested in the material culture and landscapes of the post-medieval period.