HFAK03341U F. ARK Scandinavian Archaeology - Past and Present

Scandinavia has traditionally been considered one of the cradles of archaeology, marked by achievements in the formative years of the discipline with lasting, worldwide resonance. This includes Thomsen’s Three Age System, the development of stratigraphy as the result of interdisciplinary work, led by Worsaae, Steenstrup and Forchammer, the formalisation of the typological method by Montelius and Hildebrand, but also the close association between archaeology and the nation state in the 19th century, in particular in Denmark. In the course of the 20th century, archaeology in Scandinavia branched out with different emphases, some grounded firmly in the empirical tradition, others carrying forth the focus on method, yet others again seeking a more theoretical orientation. Today, these different methodological cultures characterise the heterogeneity of Scandinavian archaeologies.

This course has the aim of exploring the crystallisation of Scandinavian archaeology historically, its status today, and its possible future directions. Students will familiarise themselves with the various trajectories characterising archaeology in Scandinavia through case studies, and be able to decipher the priorities made in terms of theory, method and politics. The course also stimulates a consideration and engagement with the future of archaeology in Scandinavia, and asks whether the notion of a particularly ‘Scandinavian’ archaeology will be sustainable into the future.