Museum Archaeology

This module interrogates the history, research potential, ethical considerations and institutional practices associated with museum collections of world archaeology.

The module will equip students with the skills to engage critically with and conduct research on archaeology collections, provide a basic understanding of best practice in managing archaeological collections and give an insight into the museum as an institution.

Aims and Objectives

This module aims to introduce students to the history, theory and practice of managing and researching archaeological collections in museums. It provides a critical framework for approaching legacy collections from previous generations of fieldwork, as well as future acquisitions from ongoing fieldwork, practical experience of conducting object-based research in a museum context and direct insight into how museums function. Through case-studies, museum site visits and hands on practicals the module seeks to develop students' understanding of museum archaeology as reflexive practice.

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the history and development of world archaeological collections, particularly in the context of colonialism and post-colonialism
• Demonstrate a familiarity with, and express opinions about, current debates in museum archaeology
• Demonstrate familiarity with key principles of managing and caring for collections in professional practice and understand why good management of archaeological collections is essential to making them a useful resource
• Handle and conduct research independently on archaeological objects in museums with confidence through interrogating museum objects, catalogues and navigating related documentation
• Be familiar with the ethical issues surrounding collections and collecting, such as acquiring and disposing of objects and international conventions regarding collecting archaeology

Learning Outcomes

• Familiarity with established knowledge and museum sector practice
• Ability to apply knowledge in familiar and new situations for academic and professional purposes
• Capacity for independent learning
• Capacity for critical thinking
• Capacity for independent inquiry
• Ability to read and understand a wide range of academic writing
• Ability to engage with museum documentation

Teaching Methods

This module will be taught through a series of 1-hour lectures paired with a 1-hour practical introducing students to some of the basics of museum practice. There will be a museum visit in Reading Week to the British Museum and a series of tutorials to support the development of your object report and essay, including scheduled time to examine objects first hand.

Module information

• Code: ARCL0190
• Credits: 15
• Coordinator: Alice Stevenson
• Prerequisite: None
• Handbook: 

For registered students

• Reading list: open»

Availability

• Running in 2023-24