From the monumental nuraghi of Bronze/Iron Age Sardinia to the copper mining centres of ancient Cyprus and beyond, the Mediterranean world has been a focus of research and fieldwork ever since archaeology became an established discipline. This programme is unique in the UK, both in the range of time periods covered (from earliest prehistory to the 21st century AD), and in the breadth of expertise held and shared by staff members in the Department of Archaeology. In this programme you will learn about many of the dynamic developments taking place in Mediterranean archaeology today, including the ways that archaeologists record, analyse and interpret one of the most diverse arrays of sites, monuments and material culture in world archaeology. You will also learn about the involvement of archaeologists in multiple aspects of contemporary society.
The core course establishes a framework for the study of Mediterranean archaeology by outlining various aspects of human settlement, society and economy in the Mediterranean, from prehistory to the early modern period. The theory and practice that underlie various aspects of Mediterranean archaeology are introduced primarily through a series of seminar discussions led by the teaching staff, followed by student presentations; these seminars typically include more specialised readings, tutorials and/or practicals.
The optional courses are specialist courses that allow for exploring particular areas of study. Two courses are selected, drawing upon the research interests of the contributing staff. Options available vary from year to year depending on staff availability and are subject to a minimum number of students. They include such topics as:
* Landscape archaeology in the historical Mediterranean
* Aspects of production and exchange in the Aegean and Central Mediterranean Bronze Age
* Island identities in the prehistoric Mediterranean
* Colonialism in the ancient Mediterranean.
The MLitt dissertation is a sustained piece of scholarly work on a topic to be agreed and is undertaken between May and September.