SA510 SPATIAL ANALYSIS IN ARCHAEOLOGY

Course Objectives

The goal of this course is to teach students the basic principles of spatial analysis in archaeology, focusing particularly on the underlying rationale, as well as the theoretical and methodological implications of frequently applied techniques. This course will offer a theory-based approach to spatial analysis, discussing the various theories and methodologies used to study landscapes and spatial human behaviour in the past through readings, group discussion and reflections. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to formulate research questions about the spatial aspect of archaeological data, draft a spatially-aware research design, and critically assess the application of spatial analysis and the interpretation of its outputs.

Course Content

This course introduces the basic concepts, assumptions and methods of data collection, however the primary focus is on spatial analysis at regional, local and intra-site scales and within social and ecological contexts. Throughout the course, we will survey various methods of data identification, collection and analysis which are used to interpret artifact distributions at various geographical frames from intra-site to regional scales. In doing so, we will pay particular attention to theories that inform the development and use of different interpretations.

Course Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students are expected to understand the following:

• Gain an overview of the breadth of possibilities for spatial analysis in archaeology
• Build an understanding of the theoretical and methodological requirements and implications of particular spatial methodologies
• Learn to transform research hypotheses into viable theoretical and methodological frameworks in the application of spatial analysis in archaeological research