Anthropology and Archaeology - BA (Hons)

Durham University

Expand your understanding of humanity both past and present. With the numerous overlapping areas between the subjects, Anthropology and Archaeology are the perfect combination for a Joint Honours degree.,The extensive overlap between Anthropology and Archaeology makes them ideal subjects for a Joint Honours degree. The degree combines modules from the BA/BSc Anthropology degrees and BA Archaeology, providing a comprehensive understanding of humanity both past and present. As a student in the Anthropology and Archaeology Departments, you will be welcomed into both academic communities and can attend an extensive programme of research seminars, which may provide inspiration for your dissertation topic and even future study or employment.As a joint honours student you will receive a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of both anthropology and archaeology, as well as exploring the relationships between the disciplines. In the second year, you will develop a deeper understanding of methods and theory in anthropology and archaeology, and pursue your growing interests through optional modules offered by both departments. You will also take an integrated module exploring the relationships between the two subjects. In the final year, you will design and carry out your own research project for your dissertation. You may also choose to go on a residential field course.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Being Human: An Introduction to the History and Practice of Anthropology provides an overview of the history of anthropology, including the major theoretical developments and debates, and how these affect the practice of anthropology today.Doing Anthropological Research provides hands-on training in anthropological research methods, both quantitative and qualitative. This module will prepare you for future research projects including fieldwork and your dissertation, and allow you to develop highly transferable research skills.Discovering World Prehistory introduces world prehistory from the emergence of humankind to the rise of early states.Introduction to Archaeological Methods and Scientific Methods in Archaeology provide a grounding in a range of methods and techniques used in archaeology today, and will help you develop a critical awareness of the potential and limitations of each.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Peoples and CulturesHuman Evolution and DiversityHealth, Illness and SocietyAncient Civilisations of the EastArchaeology in BritainCities in AntiquityMedieval to Modern: An Introduction to the Archaeology of Medieval to Post Medieval World.Year 2 modulesCore modules:Debating Anthropology and Archaeology will show how archaeology and anthropology provide overlapping yet distinct perspectives on key aspects of social, cultural and biological aspects of human life, and will explore how common theories, concepts and approaches have moved between these disciplines.Research Project Design builds upon previous methods training by providing the skills necessary to develop independent dissertation projects.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Reading the SkeletonPalaeoanthropology: The Story of Human EvolutionPrimate SocietiesAnthropology of the BodyEnvironment, Climate and the AnthropocenePrehistoric Europe: From Foragers to State FormationAncient Mediterranean Civilisations: East and WestBecoming Roman: From Iron Age to Empire in Italy and the West.Professional Training (Archaeology)Year 3 modulesCore modules:Dissertation In your final year, you will design and carry out your own Dissertation on a topic of your choice, which will develop your independent research and project management skills. You can choose to do a dissertation based in either Anthropology, Archaeology, or an interdisciplinary approach combining insights from both fields.