Theoretical Approaches

Abstract

This chapter began by noting that Australian maritime archaeologists have engaged in innovative theory and practice, and the review of relevant studies from the last 15 years supports this contention. I have also aimed to show where some critiques of theory in Australian maritime archaeology have probably been somewhat polemical in nature. I conclude that it is only reasonable and timely that supervised and guided postgraduate studies of wreck sites, their assemblages and other underwater and port-related features should be located in tertiary institutions and that these will be the power-houses for theoretical innovation. Effective linkage of tertiary guided research into holding institutions (such as museum collections) has still to be achieved nationally.