Doing Archaeology—A Subject Guide for Students

Covering archaeology from a range of angles, incorporating history, major themes, theories and methods, Doing Archaeology provides a firm grounding for anyone interested in learning more about the discipline. Throughout the book, key information is accessibly presented and important questions are answered, including:

What is archaeology?
How did archaeology begin?
How can archaeology tell us about the past?
How can archaeology tell how people use space and the landscape?
How can we use the past to understand people?
How do archaeology and ‘heritage’ interact?
What role does archaeology play in society today?
How do we practice archaeology?


Drawing on the experiences of practising archaeologists, with engaging examples and studies from sites around the world, this book gives the reader a sense of what is it to study archaeology and be an archaeologist. An essential text for students studying A-Level archaeology, those considering or beginning a degree/foundation degree in archaeology, and those of all ages interested in volunteering or becoming involved in archaeological projects.

Don Henson is Honorary Lecturer at University College London and was Head of Education for 17 years at the Council for British Archaeology. He is currently Chair of the World Archaeological Congress Public Education Committee, Director of the Centre for Audio-Visual Study and Practice in Archaeology at University College London.

Part I: Defining Archaeology 1. What is archaeology? 2. How did archaeology begin?Part II: People and Places, Past and Present 3. Which pasts do we study? 4. Understanding Our Place in Nature 5. Understanding People 6. Where Archaeologists Work Part III: Archaeology in Today’s World 7. World Archaeology 8. Archaeology’s Value 9. Some Key Debates in Archaeology 10. Archaeology as Part of Heritage 11. Activist Archaeology Part IV: Doing Archaeology 12. How to do Archaeology 13. Studying Archaeology 14. Archaeology is Fun