Methods of interpretation of settlement pattern remains, including architectural records 05-MIPO-11-WR-ArchU

http://archeo.amu.edu.pl

This course focuses on settlement pattern studies and how they are understood in various theoretical concepts. As a result of different theoretical foundations there are different definitions of the subject under study. A further consequence of the accepted theoretical basis is the specific nature of the identification of information sources and methods of settlement pattern analysis and the acceptance of various descriptive models, explanations or understanding. An example of such proposals are the socio-economic models to be found in processual archaeology. The factors shaping past settlement systems from the perspective of various paradigms are discussed as is the relationship between humans and culture and the natural environment. Currently, GIS is a significant analytical tool, which is treated differently according to the interpretive perspective. The postprocessual approach in archaeology is changing how we approach studies of settlement patterns, replacing them with landscape concepts.

Module learning aims

The objective of this course is to further students' knowledge of various methods of understanding settlement pattern studies and to show this phenomenon in a defined historical context (the development of archaeology as a science). As a result students gain knowledge of the relationships between different methods and information sources as a coherent whole. The starting point is the analysis of the practice of settlement pattern studies within cultural-historical archaeology and the identification of what inspires this practice. Other research methods can be found in processual archaeology. Postprocessual archaeology fundamentally changes the perspective on the relationship between humans and the natural environment.

Major

ARCHAEOLOGY

Cycle of studies

2nd cycle

Module type

compulsory

Year of studies (where relevant)

Year 1

Course coordinators

Włodzimierz Rączkowski

Learning outcomes

Through the course the students will develop skills to enable the critical identification of research practices in Polish and European archaeology in the field of settlement pattern studies. Students will also be able to recognise the theoretical foundations of particular research projects and verify their methodological coherency. On this basis students will improve fundamental skills regarding the formulation of personal opinions on the subject of settlement study practices and preparation of individual research project foundations.
Knowledge gained about information sources on settlement pattern studies will permit students to independently select methods and research tools as well as the information sources necessary for the realisation of individual projects. This also relates to basic skills applied in creating an interdisciplinary team and integrating information emerging from various sources.

Assessment criteria

Written exam.

Bibliography

Bender B. (red.) 1993. Landscape: Politics and Perspectives, Oxford.
Clarke D. (red.) 1977. Spatial Archaeology, London, New York.
Jankuhn H. 1983. Wprowadzenie do archeologii osadnictwa, Warszawa.
Tilley C. 1994. A Phenomenology of Landscape, Oxford.
Tuan Y.F. 1987. Przestrzeń i miejsce, Warszawa.
Żak J. 1977. O studiach osadniczych, Archeologia Polski 22(2): 421-424.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 05-MIPO-11-WR-ArchU in USOSweb