As a result of various theoretical approaches in archaeology,
anthropology, and the social sciences in general, the study of
households has become a central part of archaeological research
design.  In many of these approaches, households represent the “basic
unit of analysis” for models of social organization.  In this seminar,
we will explore how and why this theoretical shift has occurred.  We
will discuss the influence of theoretical perspectives that place
households as objects of study and consider the degree to which these
perspectives are successful, however this might be defined.  We will
also consider why households are important and will attempt to define
the household in a useful way.  Finally, we will assess the impact of
household studies on archaeology and anthropology.

Part of the semester will be dedicated to exploring the kinds of
research questions, methods, and strategies that a focus on households
entails, from practical in-the-field methodologies to ideas about how
to justify household studies in research proposals.  Students who are
interested in incorporating households in their research will have the
opportunity to review examples of successful proposals for funding.

This course will be taught as a seminar, and students will be expected
to do assigned readings, participate in discussions, give
presentations, and work on independent research or a research proposal
that addresses some of these issues.  Readings will include
ethnographic, ethnoarchaeological, ethnohistoric, and archaeological
examples of household studies from around the globe, some of which
will be chosen in consultation with the instructor and/or self-directed.