Absolutely Knot

A lively and accessible introduction to themes and debates in archaeological theory for students of all levels Archaeological Theory is a relatable, accessible, reader-friendly first step into the world of theory for archaeology students. Recognizing that many students shy away from the study of theory for fear that the material is too difficult or obscure, Archaeological Theory maintains that any student can develop an understanding of theory and that a knowledge of theory will lead to better practice. As one of the leading texts for introductory courses in archaeology and archaeological theory, it has provided many students with the essential foundation for a complete education in the discipline. With a focus on clarifying the history and development of archaeological theory, this valuable text serves as a roadmap to the different schools of theory in archaeology, clarifying the foundations of these schools of thought, the relationships between them, and the ideas that distinguish each from the other. Students will also learn about the relationship between archaeology and cultural and political developments, the origins of New and ‘post-processual’ archaeology, and current issues shaping the field. Written in a clear and informal style and incorporating examples, cartoons, and dialogues, this text provides an ideal introduction for students at all levels. The revised third edition has been updated with new and revised chapters and an expanded glossary and bibliography, as well as new readings to guide further study. Engages readers with informal and easy-to-understand prose, as well as examples, cartoons, and informal dialogues Prepares students to understand complex topics and current and perennial issues in the field such as epistemology, agency, and materiality in the context of archaeological practice Discusses current developments in associated disciplines New and revised chapters on the material turn, politics and other issues, and an expanded glossary and bibliography with updated reading suggestions Offers expanded coverage of materiality, cultural-historical archaeology, evolutionary theory, and the work of scholars of diverse backgrounds and specializations Engaging and illuminating, Archaeological Theory is an indispensable resource for undergraduate and graduate students in archaeology and related disciplines. Source: Publisher Title Page Copyright Page Contents List of Figures Acknowledgments Preface: The Contradictions of Theory Chapter 1 Common Sense is Not Enough Definitions of Theory Understanding Theory Chapter 2 The “New Archaeology” Culture History Origins of the New Archaeology New Archaeology: Key Points Case Study: The Enigma of the Megaliths Conclusion Chapter 3 Archaeology as a Science Definitions of Science Positivism Examples Objections to “Science” Kuhn and Feyerabend Social Constructivism Chapter 4 Middle-Range Theory, Ethnoarchaeology, and Material Culture Studies Binford and Middle‐Range Theory Interpreting the Mousterian Uniformitarian Assumptions Case Study: Bones at Olduvai Middle-Range Theory: Problems Behavioral Archaeology Material Culture Studies Chapter 5 Culture and Process Culture History Cultural Systems: Summary The Idea of Process Example: Cultural Process around the North Sea Cultural Process: Strengths The Context of Cultural Systems Processual Thinking: Drawbacks Processual Thinking Modified Culture, Process, and the Individual Chapter 6 Thoughts and Ideologies Looking at Thoughts Structuralism Marxism Ideology Cognitive Archaeology Conclusion Chapter 7 Postprocessual and Interpretative Archaeologies Postprocessual Archaeology Case Studies: Rock Art and Medieval Houses Chapter 8 The Material Turn Things Are Important Things Are Complicated Phenomenology Objects and Mediation Objects and Agency Ecology, Environment, and the Anthropocene Objects and Entanglement Assemblages Actor Network Theory and Symmetrical Archaeology Criticisms of the Material Turn Conclusion Chapter 9 Archaeology, Gender, and Identity Gender Bias Correction Critique of Archaeological Practice Archaeologies of Gender Men, Women, and Knowledge Case Study: What This Awl Means Archaeologies of Identity Race and Ethnicity Queering Archaeology Archaeologies of Disability Performativity Conclusion Chapter 10 Archaeology and Cultural Evolution Darwin, Marx, and Spencer Cultural Evolution Criticisms of Cultural Evolution Multilinear Evolution Cultural Evolution and Marxism Origins of the State Case Study: Cahokia Cultural Evolution Strikes Back Chapter 11 Archaeology and Darwinian Evolution Darwin’s Dangerous Idea Cultural Ecology Human Behavioral Ecology Genes and Memes Co‐Evolutionary Theory Selectionist Archaeology Case Study: Art, Handaxes, Population, and Innovation in the Paleolithic Darwinian Archaeologies: Criticisms Conclusion Chapter 12 Archaeology and History Traditional History The Annales School The Linguistic Turn The Material Turn in History Medieval and Historical Archaeology Historical Archaeology and the Text Case Study: Bodiam Castle Conclusion Chapter 13 Archaeology, Politics, and Culture Case Study: African Burial Ground Indigenous Archaeologies “Heritage” and Community Archaeology The Relativism Question Chapter 14 Conclusion: The Future of Theory Where We Are Now The Fall and Rise of Empiricism Processual and Postprocessual Archaeologies Political Economy, the Social, and the Material Theorizing the Field Digital Theory Theory, Truth, and Pragmatism Where Theory Is Going Progress and Impact Diversity and Pluralism Conclusion Selective Glossary Further Reading Bibliography Index EULA "This book is an introductory essay on archaeological theory. It tries to explain something of what 'theory' is, its relationship to archaeological practice, how it has developed within archaeology over the last few decades, and how archaeological thought relates to theory in the human sciences and the intellectual world generally"-- Provided by publisher