The Archaeology of Death course examines the varied aspects of the human experience of life's only certainty – death – as identified within the archaeological record. The module is not period specific, but rather the themes chosen will draw on different periods in time from various regions around the globe as well as from ethnography. The main objectives are to consider the complexities of how the dead are treated and to recognise certain potential similarities in symbolism. These complexities can found within the funerary record and themes and topics such as liminality, grave goods, cremation, inhumation, gender and age are some of the aspects of death that will be explored.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of different attitudes and beliefs concerning death as evidenced by the archaeological record

2. Demonstrate familiarity with anthropological and archaeological approaches to death

3. Express archaeological data and ideas concerning death through written format

This 15 week module explores the folklore, popular religion and traditional beliefs of 18th, 19th and early 20th century Ireland. Topics covered will include, but not be limited to, discussion of the terms 'folklore' and 'popular religion'; an exploration of the fairies (sí) and their relationship to the human world; fairy places in the landscape; the archaeology of the fairies; traditional medicine; the pattern (patrún); traditions and beliefs about women; death customs and beliefs; the folklore of children.

1. Discuss the role of the fairies in traditional belief systems

2. Describe the holy well and patrún tradition

3. Explore the role of popular medicine in 19th and early 20th century Ireland

This module will bring the learner on a journey of discovery, exploring past human behaviour through three universal elements of human culture. Sex includes human sexuality, gender, marriage, reproduction and parenting. Drugs covers both the use of mind altering substances in the past and the pursuit of altered states of consciousness through other means. Music will entail the examination of the evidence for prehistoric instruments, singing and dancing. This journey will cover all parts of the world and time periods from earliest prehistory to the recent past, including evidence from modern societies in a cross cultural perspective. Current scientific research on these topics will help better inform the learner as we apply this new knowledge to the past. This module will include a combination of lectures, directed readings and organised discussions on selected topics.

1. Concisely summarise, appraise and critique archaeological texts from a theoretical perspective

2. Evaluate the roles played by sex and sexuality, altered states of consciousness and music in human cultures, past and present

3. Effectively communicate theoretical concepts through both written and oral means