| Unit name | Mediatised Archaeologies |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ARCHM0048 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Gardiner |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Anthropology and Archaeology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This Unit provides a critical overview of audio-visual representations of archaeology and material heritage. The history and potential futures of the transmitted archaeological narrative will be considered in the context of current broadcast industry practice. The Unit ranges from addressing archaeology in popular visual culture and contemporary art, to the use of sound and image in museum display, fieldwork and as part of public and professional archaeological discourse.
Aims:
The Unit aims to provide students with awareness of different historical and contemporary approaches to the representation of archaeology in the media. The benefits, restrictions and implications of each approach will be discussed and students will become familiar with appropriate practical, analytical and theoretical frameworks.
A facility for original research and an analytical engagement (drawing on both archaeological and screen media traditions of close analysis) with the politics, ethics and aesthetics of mediatised archaeologies; modes of production; audience reception and relevant, recent debate in the fields of archaeology, ethnography and documentary film will be expected outcomes.
10 sessions including lectures, seminars, workshops and site visits.
This Unit will be assessed by the preparation of a critical analysis of an archaeological theme as depicted or realised in an audio-visual medium. This may be a study of a TV or radio programme, cinematic production, or some representation in the new electronic media. Alternatively, the student may consider a more wide-ranging critique of genre, method or problem in mediatised archaeology. The long essay should not exceed 4000 words.
