Contemporary Archaeology in Theory: A Reader (Social Archaeology) [Paperback]

Robert W. Preucel (Editor), Ian Hodder (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0631195610 | ISBN-13: 978-0631195610 | Edition: 1

This reader presents an easily accessible collection of seminal articles in contemporary Anglo-American archaeological theory for use in introductory undergraduate classes as well as graduate level seminars. If focuses upon the period from 1980 to the present emphasizing the far-reaching effects of recent internal and external critiques of processual archaeology. The central purpose of the reader is to assist students in thinking about the interrelationships between theory and practice for different theoretical approaches.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Contemporary Archaeology in Theory makes a valuable contribution to contemporary archaeological theory by making it accessible to students and archaeologists generally, in a structured and comprehensive way. This book would provide a good basis for an advanced level archaeological theory course." (Australian Archaeology, Number 44, 1997)

"... by all means adopt this Reader as a text to go with your own reader. Its framework is catholic, broad-ranging and reasonably balanced with respect to developments in archaeological theory over the last two decades."
--Roger C. Green, Dept of Anthropology, University of Auckland

"It is an excellent source for advanced and graduate seminars in archaeological theory. The editors are to be congratulated for completing a monumental and controversial task with such authority and equanimity."
--Patty Jo Watson, Washington University (American Antiquity, 1998)

"Preucel's and Hodder's pieces, covering a total of almost 100 pages of text - a small monograph - constitute the real strength of the book. They are humane, intelligent, well-read, balanced and critical guides to the proliferation of processual and interpretive theoretical positions that archaeologists espouse." (Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology)

From the Back Cover

This Reader presents an easily accessible collection of seminal articles in contemporary Anglo-American archaeological theory for use in introductory undergraduate classes as well as graduate level seminars. It focuses upon the period from 1980 to the present, emphasizing the far-reaching effects of recent internal and external critiques of processual archaeology. The central purpose of the reader is to assist students in thinking about the inter-relationships between theory and practice for different theoretical approaches.

An extensive introductory chapter provides a clear account of the main lines of theoretical development within archaeology indicating current areas of debate and controversy. The book is then divided into seven sections each of which is prefaced by an introduction evaluating the nature of the selective contributions in the light of the history of the field. These sections are as follows: cultural ecology; political economy; evolutionary theory; symbolic and structuralist approaches; critical theory; engendering approaches; and archaeology and politics. The book contains 26 substantial readings divided equally between the sections and each prefaced by a headnote.

The book concludes with recommendations for further reading and an index. It will be a vital resource for students and teachers of archaeology throughout the world.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 704 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (December 31, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631195610
• ISBN-13: 978-0631195610
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #263,578 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)