OLD, Objects and Society: Material Culture Studies (E26)

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge and understanding of

• key theoretical frameworks in the study of material culture.
• how material culture reflects and influences social, economic, and ideological structures in human societies.
• different classification systems and analytical methods used in the study of material culture.
• interdisciplinary approaches to the study of material culture that integrate archaeology, history, and anthropology.

Skills in

• assessing how modern perspectives influence interpretations of material culture from the past.
• applying typological and technological classification methods to analyze objects.
• using digital tools (e.g., photography, 3D photogrammetry) to document and interpret material culture.
• conducting basic materials analysis through macroscopic observation and comparative studies.
• effectively communicating the results of material culture analyses in written and oral formats.

Competencies to

• collaborate in group-based projects to evaluate and interpret archaeological or ethnographic datasets.
• independently analyze and interpret material culture in historical and social contexts.
• identify and apply appropriate research methods to investigate and interpret material culture.
• synthesize scholarly literature and contribute to academic discussions on material culture in accordance with academic requirements and standards, including the responsible use of generative AI.
• critically evaluate the role of material culture in museums and heritage narratives.
• reflect on ethical considerations related to the handling, interpretation, and exhibition of archaeological objects.