The Archaeology of Submerged Cultural Landscapes

Who should attend?

Professional Archaeologists and cultural heritage managers and students who want to learn about submerged landscape archaeology and the underwater cultural heritage of deep time.

Learning objectives

This topic provides students with an understanding of the principles and theories current in the archaeology of submerged landscapes.

More specifically the topic aims to:

• Discuss, debate and evaluate the important aspects current in underwater and coastal archaeology with an emphasis on submerged landscapes
• Promote an in-depth understanding of the principles and interdisciplinary practice of submerged prehistoric archaeology
• Help students to understand the importance of building on previous work in the field
• Provide students with the skills of textual analysis through reading and evaluating a number of influential books and articles

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

1. Evaluate key texts in archaeology, geoarchaeology and underwater cultural heritage management
2. Consider professional practice in line with contemporary method and theory
3. Appraise issues within the field of global archaeology
4. Evaluate archaeological, anthropological and environmental research method and theory

Course content

Case studies from international and Australian contexts will be presented to inform research and management of submerged cultural heritage. Examples from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Australia will create the backdrop for understanding modern practice in underwater archaeology of deep time. Readings, lectures, discussions will underpin the theory behind the course, which will conclude with a half-day workshop in GIS for submerged landscape archaeology.

Assessment

This will be a pass/fail topic. Assessment includes attendance and in-class presentations. Readings will be required, but will not be assessed.

Credit

This is a short course only. Those seeking to obtain university credit should enrol in ARCH 8153, which is a 12-week in-class/online topic (offered as a distance learning or on campus topic) as a non-award student. ARCH 8153 is offered in semester 1 each year.