COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA in Archaeology, Anthropology and Art History offers a rich and diverse academic journey, combining theoretical depth with hands-on experience. In the first year, students build foundational knowledge through direct engagement with artworks and material culture while exploring the intersections between art history, archaeology, and anthropology. Modules such as "Introduction to Art History" and "Makers and Making" guide students through the creative processes of artists and craftspeople and examine how meaning is embedded in materials and their transformation. The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts becomes a learning hub where students critically study global artworks and develop essential research skills. Simultaneously, modules like "People and Cultures" and "Introduction to Archaeology" expose students to cultural practices, social change, and the interpretive challenges of uncovering the past through material remains. The year concludes with "Environment, Art and Culture," which explores how art interacts with space, purpose, and cultural contact. In the second year, the focus shifts to advanced material culture theories and interdisciplinary methodologies. Through "Material Worlds," students reflect on human-object relationships and cultural practices such as rituals and gift-giving, while "The Lives of Objects" hones critical thinking by dissecting the life cycles and meanings of objects across academic fields. "Art in the Contemporary World" brings these discussions into the present, interrogating art’s role in shaping identities, politics, and everyday life, while emphasizing the influence of museums and galleries. In the final year, students select specialized modules and undertake a substantial independent dissertation project, guided by a supervisor. This final stage allows for deep academic exploration and showcases the research, analytical, and communication skills developed throughout the program. Altogether, the course equips students with a unique perspective on the material and visual world, blending historical insight with contemporary relevance.