Cycles of Theory: a critical review of 60 years of archaeological theory and practice

The aim of this event is to follow the arc of archaeological theory over the last 60 years. Some of the key questions raised are whether new insights have been achieved or simply the reworking of the same themes in new guises.

Have the changes just followed wider trends in the social sciences or has a distinctively archaeological take been contributed? The arc of archaeological theory might be seen to have a recurring direction. For example early postprocessual archaeology often had a materialist bent – what are the implications of the retreat from materialism to materiality and back again? There is also a return today to grand narrative and big data; process and relationality have been recurring themes. Have we just been spiraling around old problems or has there been a directional achievement that is distinctively archaeological?

The opening discussion will take place in Room 612 of the Institute of Archaeology on Friday 6 June from 4.15-6.30pm, followed by a one-day conference in the Archaeology Lecture Theatre G6 on Saturday 7 June from 10.15-6.30pm.

Further details

Full details including the programme: Cycles of Theory: a critical review of 60 years of archaeological theory and practice - Royal Anthropological Institute

• Book for the Friday discussion: Select tickets – Cycles of Theory: a critical review of 60 years of archaeological theory and practice (Friday Opening Discussion) – UCL Archaeology Room 612
• Book for the Saturday conference: Buy tickets – Cycles of Theory: a critical review of 60 years of archaeological theory and practice (Saturday conference) – UCL Archaeology Room G6

Please note that places are limited so please do book early to avoid disappointment!

Concessions