Contemporary archaeology in theory

Abstract

This "Reader" presents an easily accessible collection of seminal articles in contemporary Anglo-American archaeological theory for use in introductory undergraduate classes as well as graduate level seminars. It focuses upon the period from 1980 to the present, emphasizing the far-reaching effects of recent internal and external critiques of processual archaeology. The central purpose of the reader is to assist students in thinking about the inter-relationships between theory and practice for different theoretical approaches. An extensive introductory chapter provides a clear account of the main lines of theoretical development within archaeology indicating current areas of debate and controversy. The book is then divided into seven sections each of which is prefaced by an introduction evaluating the nature of the selective contributions in the light of the history of the field. These sections are as follows: cultural ecology; political economy; evolutionary theory; symbolic and structuralist approaches; critical theory; engendering approaches; and archaeology and politics. The book contains 26 substantial readings divided equally between the sections and each prefaced by a headnote. The book concludes with recommendations for further reading and an index. It will be a vital resource for students and teachers of archaeology throughout the world.